Drafting Effect in Cycling: Investigation by Wind Tunnel Tests. (2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Belloli, Marco; Giappino, Stefano; Robustelli, Fabio; Somaschini, Claudio
• Is Part Of: Procedia engineering. Volume 147(2016)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2016
• Subjects: Cycling aerodynamics -- drafting -- lateral wind -- wind tunnel tests; Engineering -- Congresses; Engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering; Conference proceedings; Periodicals; 620.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2016.06.186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1877-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Cyclists travelling in groups experience a significant reduction in the wind resistance and those behind consume less energy due to the shielding effect of the front cyclist. We investigated drafting effects by wind tunnel tests realizing a test set-up with two cyclists pedalling at different longitudinal distance. Drag reduction effects on both the leading and the trailing cyclist are confirmed. The presence of lateral wind is also investigated showing a significant reduction of the drafting effect also for light winds.