70 - Kurt Bergin-Taylor on Aero Optimization

Endurance Innovation is now on Patreon! Have a peek at our page and show us some love. 5:00 baseline aerodynamics CdA values Most aerodynamic male pro triathletes are around 0.200 and even below 0.230 considered very good for average-sized male 0.250 to 0.270+ is common for reasonably well-fitted male age groupers Track riders can be as low as 0.160 6:45 how much of a time difference does this make? The Cody Beals case study At his current-ish CdA of 0.22, and using his IMMT power output of 260W average, Cody would be traveling at ~42kph on a flat course If he could get down to a very ambitious CdA of 0.18, he could get up to ~44kph, which is a savings of almost 12 minutes over 180km! At an optimized, track cycling world-class CdA of 0.16, he could hold 46kph at 260W. Of course, this is not a realistic value in all likelihood. 16:15 what can we do to improve aerodynamics? Test to determine CdA Experiment with position changes, starting with the front end and retest each iteration Spend some training time in that optimized position and at race-specific power AND speed Spend time wearing your full race kit in simulation workouts - especially helmets 22:45 achieving and training that optimal head position Experiment with stack height: sometimes a slightly taller stack can allow you to lower your head Mirrors / photos and videos from the side Train the position in an interval format 29:00 focus on that front end 32:15 important equipment choices Find the best helmet, test as many as possible Understand your target speed and local climatic conditions Evaluate cost-benefit of aero overshoes Marginal gains add up - especially in TT 34:30 Saving energy on the bike is key in long course racing 38:30 consider your ‘sustainable drag’ that is, making sure you can hold that position for the duration of the target event 39:45 skin suit fabrics and fit