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Northamptonshire engineer powers British cycling
28/07/2008
Aerodynamics consultancy Velo Science has developed wind tunnel technology to assist some of the country’s top cyclists and win new contracts.
Brackley-based Velo Science was established in 2007 by keen cyclist Simon Smart, who was interested in looking at ways of improving cycling products using his expertise and experience from 15 years in top level motorsport. A former aerodynamicist and team leader in Formula One’s Red Bull Racing team, Simon now devotes his time to developing wind tunnel testing programmes for professional cycling athletes, amateur cyclists and top bike manufacturers, as well as providing a design consultancy to motorsport and other lifestyle industries.
With the support of a grant of just under £10,000 from East Midlands New Technology Initiative (NTI) High Performance Engineering Network, Velo Science has invested in new software and equipment to enable them to produce concept drawing schemes, 3D modelling, designs and a new system for its wind tunnel.
Simon says: “The new software has enabled us to win important contracts such as the one we have undertaken for Giant, a major bike manufacturer, for a time trial frame for use in the 2008 Tour de France. The bike is being ridden by Team Columbia who won the first team time trial event at this year’s tour and has also picked up wins in the German and Luxembourg national championships. In addition we have been able to increase our output on other contracts, such as for the Formula 3 team, Hi Tech Racing.
“We also purchased equipment and software for the wind tunnel, which enables cyclists to optimize their riding position through the use of aerodynamic testing, power measurement and biomechanics. This arm of the business, called Drag2Zero, is the only service of its kind available in Europe. Two well known time trialists, Michael Hutchinson and Julia Shaw, have used the tunnel and found improvements in their performance. Following sessions in the wind tunnel they both won the British National Time Trial Championships.”
He adds: “As a result of NTI’s grant, Velo Science has increased its turnover and has now employed an aerodynamicist/designer to assist with increased workload. It is extremely important for new businesses like ours to have the type of help the NTI can provide. In our case it has helped us to move the business ahead with the potential of further employment.”
NTI High Performance Network project manager, James Powell, said: “Velo Science is a shining example of a business where technology and expertise gained from working within top level motorsport has successfully transferred to a new application. Top level cycling is extremely competitive and Great Britain has a proven track record of winning at many disciplines of the sport, highlighted with recent success in the Tour de France in the form of Mark Cavendish.
“Like high performance racing cars, weight and drag are the enemy and Velo Science is using the latest technology to address these issues to improve cycle design and aerodynamics. Simon’s work has already helped Team Columbia win and this underpins the difference his work can make to world class cyclists. It has been an interesting project for the NTI High Performance Engineering Network to support and I wish Velo Science continued success.”