Lecture – Can science make a cyclist faster?

Jan 30, 2015
Winstanley Lecture Theatre, Trinity College
Presented by Trinity College Engineering Society.

Today’s sports are very professional and no stone is unturned in the quest to go faster, higher, further. Cycling leads most Olympic sports in its approach to technology intervention, simply because the speeds involved make attention to the pointers that simple engineering analysis reveal as important pays dividends, especially when the margins for victory can be so very small. Professor Tony Purnell of the University’s Engineering Department is the Head of Technology for British Cycling and will provide an overview of how science and technology have contributed to the raw speed of all Olympic cycling disciplines. He will show that it’s not just about incremental gains, but also about avoiding increment losses. Materials technology, sports science, aerodynamics, friction engineering, physiology and nutrition all contribute although these have to been seen in context with the bigger picture that there are no silver bullets. Determination, hard work and a clear mind still dominate, not to mention a good deal of talent.

Free and open to all. Refreshments from 18:45.

Posted in Events.