 Normann Stadler was the first victim of the day and took advantage of the opportuntiy testing bottle set-ups, shoe covers, wheels, etc. You know a pro-triathlete is exc ited about a test when they show up a half-hour early...for a 7:30am test!
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Fuhr, Jones, Legh and Stadler Test at Allied Aerospace Low Speed Tunnel
SAN DIEGO, CA ---- In an effort to gain every possible second in their upcoming Ironman events, professional triathletes Heather Fuhr, Michellie Jones, Chris Legh and Normann Stadler spent a day in San Diego testing with Multisports.com coaches Paul Huddle and Roch Frey at the Allied Aerospace Low Speed Wind tunnel.With the Ironman World Championships less than three weeks away, it was the last chance for Fuhr, Legh, and Stadler to make last minute refinements their positions and make final decisions on equipment such as drinking systems and wheels. Fuhr, who will be aiming for her 14th Ironman distance win, remarked “The wind tunnel testing at Allied Aerospace is unparalleled in our sport. I feel like this allowed me to make changes to my position and equipment needs that were not only more beneficial aerodynamically but more efficient in terms of power output and heart rate. Essentially, I was able to find the position on my bike that was the perfect blend of aerodynamics and efficiency.” Fuhr continued, "It's given me the confidence to know that my equipment and position is the best it can be. I no longer have to wonder."
Jones, a legend in the Olympic distance triathlon, will be attempting her first long distance effort at Ironman Florida in November. “To have access to the Allied Aerospace Wind Tunnel enabled me to gain valuable knowledge not just about what was more aerodynamic but also provided the opportunity to measure my power output, heart rate, and cadence and drag as well” stated Jones. “All the results were very realistic which is why the Allied Aerospace tunnel is like no other.”
Using in-house expertise, the engineers at Allied Aerospace designed, fabricated and calibrated a new state-of-the-art balance system to precisely measure the forces acting on the cyclist. The smallest drag effects due to changes in position and equipment for each athlete were precisely measured. The cyclists were also provided with extremely accurate power measurements as well as heartrate, cadence, and road speed. This data was compared for each position or equipment change in order to optimize power-to-drag ratio.
The athletes were also impressed with the bicycle support system developed by the Allied Aerospace engineers. The front wheel support typically used at other facilities has been eliminated. This removes all interference effects that a support has on the front wheel as well as eliminates all effects that the wake behind these supports would have on the bicycle and cyclist. It also allows the front wheel to move freely similar to on-the-road riding. The support pedestal places the cyclist off the tunnel floor and in the center of the wind tunnel.
When all the testing was completed for the day Chris Legh summed it up for everyone, “Thanks for all the free speed!”
For more information on the Allied Aerospace Low Speed Wind Tunnel and to view additional photos from the testing, log on to www.lswt.com. Dates available for upcoming wind tunnel testing opportunities as well as information on coaching and Ironman training camps can be found at www.multisports.com.