Following on from the resounding success of our debut event last summer, the eagerly anticipated WattShop TT Weekend is back, ready to hit the roads of Staffordshire once more in 2024. Mark your calendars for the weekend of 8th and 9th June, as this year's edition promises an exhilarating experience for both returning riders and newcomers alike. Avoiding clashes with the National TTT the following weekend and National ITT the week after that, the WattShop TT Weekend is the perfect warm up event.
For many cyclists, the UK's time trial scene is a cherished gem, often overlooked until the season is upon us. We dedicate countless hours to training, braving the chilly winter months in anticipation of the springtime promise. Yet, as the season unfolds, we find ourselves battling lingering winter temperatures and uncertain conditions. But let's dispel the myth - our time trial reality is far from average. It's about embracing the sport we love, feeling the thrill of improvement, and being part of a vibrant community. The UK boasts a time trial scene like no other, and the WattShop TT Weekend offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate it.
So let’s get down to details.
Two challenging yet technical courses await riders in rural Staffordshire; a 10 mile out-and-back on the Saturday afternoon, followed by a 25-mile loop on the Sunday morning.
HQ for Saturday’s race will be located at Amerton farm, with Sunday’s base making a return to Yarnfield Conference Centre, which will also play host to Saturday evening’s event. For those who relished last year's enlightening evening with aero experts Dan Bigham and Jamie Lowden, you're in for a treat. Our aero entertainment returns, promising an evening of insightful discussions and answered questions. Plus, with a special guest lined up for 2024, it's an event not to be missed.
Food and accommodation packages at Yarnfield Conference Centre are available to purchase at www.shopforwatts.co.uk. To let us know of any dietary requirements or if you have any further questions about the event please message us at info@shopforwatts.co.uk.
Course Info
Let’s take a look at the stages. For those from outside the UK, we use very unique course codes; another quirk about the UK scene that sets it apart from the rest of the TT world. It’s really interesting as to why we do this, follow this link to find out more.
Stage 1 – K48/10 – 10 miles
This course is more than just a local 10-mile route - it's a haven for cycling enthusiasts, hosting two Open events annually along with regular club gatherings. Don't be fooled by its unassuming pretence; this course packs a punch in terms of technicality and challenge. Ranked 122nd nationally and holding the 8th spot in the district according to Spindata, with an impressive weighted average speed of 26.182mph, this course commands respect.
If you’re expecting a drag strip, you’re in the wrong place - there’s a short section of dual carriageway and two humps out and back. She’s not fast but she is challenging. With only a handful of riders breaking the 20 minute mark, (unofficial!) course records currently belong to Dan Bigham and Emily Meakin. Could this be the year we see the first woman ride a sub-20 on this revered course?
Stage 2 – J5/13 – 25 miles
Last year's inaugural event introduced a course not found in traditional archives, but hugely enjoyed by participants. This unique route, comprising 2.5 laps of the renowned Swynnerton road race circuit, features the infamous 'Swynberg' climb conquered twice over. While rideable with a 60-25 set up, the course presents a formidable challenge nonetheless.
Setting the bar high, last year saw Dan Bigham and Kelly Murphy clocking in impressive times of 49:50 and 58:40, respectively, marking their names in the record books as the holders of the male and female course records.
With the innovative format of 2.5 laps, we're gearing up for thrilling intermediate timings relayed directly to headquarters, promising an engaging spectacle for all. The combined time for the two races will determine the overall winners, with separate categories tailored to Spindata classifications, ensuring inclusivity and excitement for all participants.
How to enter
Entry is via the CTT website and costs £30. Outside the UK and want to enter? Not a problem. You can register an account with CTT. Please be aware that you may need to register your club but it is a straight forward process.
Are you thinking this could be a good opportunity for you to give back to the sport? If so, we’d be happy to welcome anyone who wants to help run the event with us.
We’ll be releasing more information as we get closer to the time and look forward to seeing you at sign-on in June.
Grant Bigham
Event Organiser
]]>For the sake of clarity in this blog, hand height refers to the dimension measured vertically from the mid-point of the armrest to the extension tip.
For more information on the new regulations, we have a detailed breakdown over on the Technical Resources page on our website but to keep it short, there are now three different categories determining reach and hand height depending on rider height.
The new regulations have increased the set up options and one of the most common questions we get asked is; what hand height will I be looking at with this handgrip or that handgrip?
We have various different handgrip options that suit different requirements. Depending on your riser angle will shift your hand height. The Anemoi Aero Extensions were originally designed for optimal performance at 15 degrees (or 20 with the 5-degree reverse wedge) with a 10cm hand height; a very controlled set of parameters. With the ability to now increase your arm rest angle to 30 degrees and the various 10/12/14cm categories, there is an increase in options. Below are a set of diagrams ranging from 10 degrees through to 30 degrees at 5-degree increments. Each diagram shows our four handgrip styles, standard pole (green), ergo (pink), mini ergo (yellow), hooked (blue) and the angle to hand height relationship. Please note, with the standard pole you will need to consider your shifter in the vertical measurement but you can cut the pole to length.
The beauty of our industry first, interchangeable handgrip design is that we are able to fully cater to custom requirements. A 75mm long standard pole? No problem. A mini ergo with integrated satellite shifter? We can help. A customised handgrip design for para-racing? We’re your people. We understand every rider is different, each with their own preference and thoughts on perfect ergonomics. With this in mind, if our standard range does not provide a design that suits you, please get in touch via the website or at info@shopforwatts.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
We are constantly refining and adding to our range, whether that’s to suit new to market shifters or rider and data driven from testing.
]]>For this event, there are two packages available:
1. The Full Package - £17,000 - Our experienced team of professionals will support you from start to finish. We will guide you through the preparation stages, bike optimisation, practice events and race build up, at your side all the way to the moment you cross the finish line as a new record holder. The formal requirements of a record attempt will be entirely managed by WattShop. We will provide aerodynamic expertise, record-breaking experience, equipment recommendations, and even nutritional & physiological advice. We will oversee every aspect of your record attempt, with no stone left unturned in your relentless pursuit of speed. You will arrive in the gate in the best possible position to achieve your goal.
2. The Independent Rider - £7,000 - Alternatively, the Independent Rider package is perfect for those who prefer to take on the challenge alone, but still want the official requirements of the record attempt taken care of. We'll arrange commissaires and anti-doping requisites, as well as track time in the days leading up to your attempt. We will manage the formal aspect of a record attempt so that when the time comes, it's just you, the bike, and the track.
British Records | Masters Records |
Elite Men's Records | Elite Women's Records |
With a long history as a fast track, Tissot Velodrome is the first choice of venue for riders who want to break records; Jen Voigt, Rohan Dennis, Dan Bigham, Filippo Ganna, Joss Lowden, Ellen van Dijk, the list of record breakers at Grenchen goes on. Sitting at an altitude of 450m above sea level, Grenchen is at a sweet spot of lower air density but without a massive hit on oxygen partial pressure. With low pressure systems moving through in the late Summer, it isn't a coincidence that a number of riders chose this time of year for their World Record attempts in 2022.
We've been involved in a number of records at this track and we know it well. We know how to manage the atmosphere within the velodrome to ensure optimal air density and temperature, we know the town and we know the facilities, we have worked extensively here before, and now we want to share that with you. With our expert support and Grenchen's world-class facilities, you'll be well on your way to achieving your ultimate cycling objective.
To find out more about the event or if you would like to talk to a member of the WattShop team, get in touch here or e-mail us at info@shopforwatts.co.uk.
With thanks to El Toro Media for Image use.
]]>It’s a question that we see posted across numerous forums and social media channels, and a question that we ask ourselves regularly. We have always tried to give back to the sport in whichever capacity we are able, be it marshalling at local TTs, or supporting junior riders. With every small step taken, we have slowly been inching our way towards our goal; we are incredibly excited to share that we will be hosting our own two-day TT event this summer.
In 2022, we set up WattShop Cycle Club, a platform for friends and family of WattShop to “go racing”. In 2023, we wanted to take that next step and give something back to fellow cyclists. Cycle clubs are the core of the TT community; without them the local cycle community would be lost. We want to build something at WattShop, we are more than just a company, we are a community; locally, nationally and globally; a community that we want everyone to feel a part of.
In recent times, TT numbers have been on the decline, down from 66,000 CTT* registered rides in 2017 to 47,000 in 2022. This isn’t the place to discuss the reasons why, in truth there are many, but we want to offer something different, something unique and at least try to be a part of the solution. In the UK, we are very fortunate to have a specific time trialling governing body: CTT. We’re the envy of many riders across the globe. Time trialling in the UK isn’t a one-off monthly event, it’s a true discipline. We have numerous events every weekend throughout the year; hilly, flat, sporting, take your pick. And for the riders that want to take it to the next level, we have Spindata, a national ranking system.
We have our blue ribband nationals; TTT, 10, 25 and if you enjoy the longer races, we also have 50, 100, 12 and 24 (outrageous!) hour options. But what the UK lacks is TT weekends such as Chrono des Nations and King of the Lake. Whilst we cannot claim to compete with such prestigious events at this point in time, that is certainly our long-term aim and a place to set our sights for the future.
So, The WattShop TT Weekender. What’s involved?
It is a 2-day stage race in Staffordshire incorporating the traditional 10 and 25 mile distances. In addition to this, we’ll have a secondary HQ for the 10 mile TT located just a short drive from the main HQ at Yarnfield Park where accommodation and food packages will be available.
The event will be held over the weekend of the 17th/18th June. We didn’t randomly pick this date, it avoids clashes with the Tour of Cambridgeshire, the Women’s Tour and all National events. It also falls the weekend prior to British Cycling Nationals, offering the perfect opportunity for a run out ahead of the TT nationals rumoured to be in nearby Shropshire.
Let’s take a look at the stages. For those from outside the UK, we use very unique course codes; another quirk about the UK scene that sets it apart from the rest of the TT world. It’s really interesting as to why we do this, follow this link to find out more.
Stage 1 – K48/10 – 10 miles
This course hosts two Open events a year and regular club events. A local 10, close to WattShop HQ, it is a unique course, very technical and by no means a flat out and back. Spindata ranks it 122nd nationally and 8th in the district with a weighted average speed of 26.182mph.
If you’re expecting a drag strip, you’re in the wrong place - there’s a short section of dual carriageway and two humps out and back. She’s not fast but she is challenging. We are only aware of a handful of riders to go under 20 minutes, the (unofficial!) male and female course record holders are Dan Bigham and Emily Meakin.
Stage 2 – J5/13 – 25 miles
Another traditional distance, you won’t find this course in the history books. It’s a new course registered specifically for this event. It’s 2.5 laps of the very well-known Swynnerton road race course with the locally renowned “Swynberg” to crest twice. It’s rideable with a 60-25 set up, so certainly not to be feared but a challenge nonetheless. With the 2.5 lap format we’re planning to take intermediate timings sent straight back to HQ so it could be a fun one to watch play out!
The overall time being the combined time of the two races, we’ll have male and female winners for categories based on Spindata categories so there’s something for everyone.
We've taken away the stress of searching for local accommodation; rooms can be reserved at Yarnfield Park which will also act as race HQ for the 25 mile event on Sunday. A great facility, there’s a communal area on site, perfect for socialising, strategising and discussing all things TT. With a presentation planned on Saturday evening, you can expect to hear from our Aero Experts too. Dinner on Saturday will take the form of a buffet and we can assure you that there will be tasty offerings at breakfast on Sunday, ensuring you are appropriately fuelled to head out and smash the course. Hotel room and dinner reservations can be made via the WattShop website, via the main menu. To let us know of any dietary requirements or if you have any further questions about the event please message us at info@shopforwatts.co.uk.
Entry is via the CTT website and costs £25. Outside the UK and want to enter? Not a problem. You can register an account with CTT. Please be aware that you may need to register your club but it is a straight forward process.
Are you thinking this could be a good opportunity for you to give back to the sport? If so, we’d be happy to welcome anyone who wants to help run the event with us.
We’ll be releasing more information as we get closer to the time but for now, I would like to thank Paul Jennings (Stone Wheelers) and the Manchester District committee for all your help in getting us to this point.
Grant Bigham
Event Organiser
]]>On Friday 19th August 2022, Dan Bigham broke the UCI Hour record at Tissot Velodrome in Grenchen. This achievement was years in the making. Years of trial and error, highs and lows, setbacks and huge accomplishments. This blog offers a look into those years and examines not only Dan's latest Hour but how WattShop played its part.
]]>The Anemoi basebar is our answer to the quest for the perfect cockpit. In the two years since the release of the Anemoi aero extension system, countless athletes have taken to the top step of the podium using our class-leading extension system, which allows for continual position optimisation and refinement. This premise was key in the development of our Anemoi basebar. The aerodynamics of equipment in isolation are important but they are dwarfed by the improvements that can be made by adjusting, tweaking and tuning a rider’s position.
We have therefore focused on ensuring the Anemoi basebar provides not only the best aerodynamic performance but the widest range of adjustment available from any basebar currently on the market.
The most obvious & unique adjustment aspect of the Anemoi basebar is the seamless ability to increase or decrease stem length without having to re-cable and whilst keeping reach adjustment entirely in the horizontal plane, completely removing how current designs change stack whilst changing reach. Using an innovative axle design in combination with stem spacers means each stem size provides a 25mm fore-aft reach adjustment window in 5mm increments. Over the two standard stem sizes this provides a 50mm range. In traditional terms a short stem offers reach adjustment from 70-95mm whilst the medium stem offers reach 95-120mm.
Riser stack spacers look like the simplest part but they carry huge importance, not only in their profile and how this is optimised for total system performance but also because adjusting stack height is one of the most common cockpit adjustments made. With electronic shifting cables now being commonplace, the frustrations of having to re-cable the riser stacks may not be quite as extreme as it once was, but with our slotted riser design there is no requirement to disconnect and reconnect cables for any stack. Our risers interlock with each other to give structural integrity to the system, removing bending loads from the riser bolts and allowing you to run high stack heights confidently.
We have strived to offer as broad a range of adjustment as possible but we appreciate that sometimes there are unique bikes and setups that require a unique solution. Fully custom designs are possible with our inhouse design team, whether that is different rear stems (lengths, steerer diameters, angles), frame specific stem caps, or even something more bespoke. Get in touch to realise your ideas.
The relentless pursuit of speed continues, and we will not stand still. We have a range of new components in the works for the Anemoi basebar. To this end you may notice one or two of the future proofed aspects to accommodate for ongoing developments such as a front light or a stem mounted BTA solution.
If there is something you would like to see, please get in contact and let us know. We always love developing new ideas and solutions to the problems people face.
For that finishing touch and because we know details matter, we’ll be continuing to offer coloured decals so you can colour match to your preference. We can also offer coloured anodising on request for an additional cost.
We have added multiple failsafes throughout our design. Each adjustable and modular aspect of the design has redundancy built in. Our stem axle is secured in three different ways, as are each of the wings, meaning even if a bolt should come loose your cockpit will stay securely in place.
The Anemoi basebar has been independently tested to exceed the ISO standard ISO 4210-5:2014, the safety standard for bicycle steering components. A breakdown of each of the tests the Anemoi basebar has passed is below:
Out-of-phase loading is where the load is applied down on one grip and up on the other grip (opposite loading forces). In-phase loading is where the load is applied in the same direction to both grips.
WattShop are excited to announce our partnership with Uno X Pro Cycling. Uno X are a Pro Continental team that have recently announced plans to step up to World Tour level alongside the development of a women’s World Tour team.
The technical partnership will see Uno-X run the Anemoi extension system for 2021 with an expanded range of products in 2022 and beyond. Overseen by Danish Performance Engineer Casper von Folsach the team has already begun to optimise every aspect of their performance.
“When looking to improve our time trial performance the first thing I look at is to improve the riders position on the bike. Here the extensions, in my opinion, are the most important component. With the Anemoi system we find the riders can achieve a more aerodynamic position and allows them to sustain this position for longer. Comfort in your TT position is often overlooked, and the many adjustments possibilities can both improve this aspect while simultaneously lower your CdA” - Casper von Folsach.
The team has already started using the Anemoi system this past week at National TTs, Søren Wærenskjold placing 2nd at the Norwegian Nationals and three riders placing in the top 11 at Danish Nationals.
“We’re hugely excited to be working hand in hand with such a forward thinking team who’s philosophy aligns with ours here at WattShop. With some strong results already this season we can’t wait to see what the team can achieve particularly against the clock. The relationship is another reflection of WattShop’s continued growth and presence on the World stage” - Grant Bigham, Director, WattShop.
Image Credits: WordUp Projects
]]>Starting out at a young age attending the local track every Sunday with his father, Ben Healy has always wanted to achieve in cycling. Now on UCI Continental team, Trinity Racing, he has been able to showcase his undeniable talent taking victories in some of the biggest U23 races in the world over the past couple of years. 2020 for many has been a real struggle but with time spent wisely and training under the watchful eyes of coach Jacob Tipper, Ben was able to win his first Elite National title and although setting the fastest time on the same course as the elite men, he was only permitted to take home the U23 time trial title. We caught up with the young Irish champion just after he had installed our Anemoi Aero Extension System.
So Ben how old are you and how would you view your approach to 2021?
I am 20 years old, going into my 3rd year as an under 23 with some big ambitions for the 2021 season.
You ride for Trinity Racing at UCI Continental level, how is it riding for the team?
It is really great. The team are very supportive and involved with my development. They give me the foundations I need to progress in my career.
Trinity Racing was established for the 2020 season. Predominantly built around Tom Pidcock who has now progressed to Ineos at World Tour level. Now that Tom has moved on it has left the door open for riders like Ben to take on the limelight. With Ben aiming to make similar progression like Pidcock to the higher tiers of the sport, he is certainly in the right team under the management of Andrew McQuaid. The renowned rider agent who handles rider contracts for the likes of Geraint Thomas and Richie Porte is sure to have ability to set Ben up with a pro contract when he is ready to take the step up.
What made you choose WattShop?
They make best quality components out there. They also look sweet.
Why did you decide to upgrade to the Anemoi Aero Extension System?
To give me the edge over the competition as they provide me with unrivalled comfort and aerodynamic efficiency on my TT bike.
How have you found using the system. What have you found to be the biggest positive so far?
They have been amazing, better then I was expecting, as they have allowed me to get into a more aggressive position whilst also providing more comfort.
How did you find the install process?
Installation was a breeze. Super easy and straight forward. Although were you to come unstuck there is a simple step by step guide included in the box.
Keen to dial in his front end position Ben wasted no time getting himself off to the velodrome to carry out some testing. From this test, it was clear to Ben that his stability and confidence in the bike had increased whilst using the Anemoi system. Leaving no detail untouched he even managed to find a neat and tidy way to hide his SRAM eTap Blipbox giving him a super clean aero front end.
What are your top three results in Cycling?
Victory in Tour de L’avenir Stage 5 2019, Ronde De L’Isard Stage 4 2020 and the Road race & Time Trial Irish National Championships 2020.
Current time trialing kit list?
S-Works Shiv TT, Zipp disc & 858, SRAM Red AXS 1x, Speedplay Zero Aero pedals, Wattshop Anemoi Aero extension system.
What events can we expect to see you riding with the extensions in the future?
Hopefully some big U23 stage races next year and then one of my main goals for 2021, the UCI World Championships.
As identified by his palmarès, Ben already has some great achievements and on his day he truly can be up there fighting it out with the best U23 riders in the world. He most certainly has some of the fastest equipment available to him and we can not wait to see how he fares in the biggest U23 TT's around the continent. From all of us here at WattShop we wish Ben the best of luck as he endeavours to put his name up there with the best.
]]>
Scott Bayvel was one of the first adopters of our Anemoi extension system and we've recently caught up with him to find out how his pandemic affected 2020 season is progressing and also to find out a little more about him.
Currently Scott is based in Noosa, Australia however he was born and bred in Johannesburg, South Africa. Scott tells us that from a young age he had always dreamt of being a professional athlete; growing up in South Africa perhaps unsurprisingly meant he focused mainly on rugby, until the realisation that the game is physical beyond comprehension.
After a few years off the field repairing his body he decided it was time to get involved with sport again and in 2015 Scott completed his first sprint distance triathlon race. He worked his way up to Ironman distance by 2019, taking numerous wins in the amateur ranks before making the step up and registering as a pro triathlete in the back end of 2019. With the results of 2019 in the back of his mind it was time to knuckle down and hit the 2020 season running.
We caught up with Scott this last week to see how he was getting on, find out a little more about him and how our Anemoi extension system has helped him so far this season.
So Scott, what kit are you currently utilising?
Why did you decide to upgrade to the Anemoi Extension System?
"I decided to update to the Anemoi extensions for two reasons. Firstly, I follow Dan and the Huub Wattbike track team. Therefore I trusted the team behind the product and their track record shows that the products produced are next level and extremely aerodynamic. Secondly, I found the adjustability of different angles, length and all modular additions to the system are really great. This is what attracted me to the product as you can then self adjust the front end to suit you."How have you found using the system. What have you found to be the biggest positive so far?
Finally, what made you choose WattShop?
"The high track record of the success of the people that have used them."
For anyone interested in following Scott on his journey he can be found on instagram at @scottbayvel - I'm sure you'll agree he posts some great looking photos of his bike ;)
It's great catching up with users of our WattShop products and it's a feature we're planning to blog about more so if you're enjoying using our products and want to be featured please drop us an email at info@shopforwatts.co.uk
From all of us here at WattShop we wish Scott all the best in his relentless pursuit of speed.
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Each mount plate can fit risers with a bolt spacing of between 15mm and 40mm, effectively fitting nearly every riser on the market. Whether they are M5 or M6 thread, we have this accounted for too. The extensions are supplied with M5 and M6 barrel nuts for “bolt up” riser stacks. For “bolt down” riser stacks you can continue to use your current bolts.
Aerodynamics are what have driven our development of extensions since 2017. From extensive wind tunnel and track tests we know that the benefit is substantial, but we wanted to go further. So how can take our extensions to the next level?
We’re very lucky in that our supported team, HUUB Wattbike, are also partners with TotalSim, a world leader in computational fluid dynamics. We took advantage of this to dig in deeper to the flow structures around the extensions and rider’s forearms. The section below is probably the most telling of the whole study. What you are looking at is a Z-plane section through one of the team rider’s forearms and our third generation extensions, showing the total pressure coefficient (CpT) and flow lines. This plot shows the separation and recirculation that occurs in the gap between the extensions and forearms, inducing drag. This has been a central focus of our development. We’ve taken steps to reduce that gap and create a smooth transition of the air flow from the extension to around the rider’s arm.
CpT oil flow Z-plane section plot
The most obvious feature to aid in closing this gap is the sunken arm rest. This was pioneered by us with the Pentaxia extension design, used by the HUUB Wattbike team in the 2019/20 UCI Track World Cup. It enables the extension upper face to begin at the same height as the top of the arm rest padding, giving one continuous surface from arm rest padding through to the extension tip. The second feature to assist in closing this gap is the concave top surface that allows the rider’s curved forearm to sit flush against the extension, providing a smoother flow transition from the extension.
The extension profile itself has been carefully contoured to fit a wide range of forearm profiles and handgrip angles. Utilising 3D scanning combined with rapid prototyping, we have been able to measure and confirm fitment and comfort across a wide range of athletes. We utilise the maximum width and height allowed under UCI regulations of 40mm x 40mm to create a leading-edge profile that efficiently displaces the flow around the arm whilst keeping flow attachment.
All of this means that we’re confident the Anemoi aero extensions will perform for a broad range of athletes from both an aerodynamic and ergonomic perspective.
Using our experience in high performance composites applications and working alongside our UK based factory, we have developed the construction of the Anemoi aero extension system to provide the ultimate in combination of structural integrity, low weight, fatigue resistance and road vibration damping properties. The mouldable nature of carbon fibre allows us to accurately form each pair of extensions to exacting tolerances, to ensure each extension is of the highest quality, time and time again. We use pre-preg carbon fibre, provided in CNC cut layups to our specification, meaning each layup is exactly repeatable, in terms of number of plies, ply weight and overall thickness.
CNC cut carbon fibre pre-preg sheets
The carbon is then cured under high heat and pressure in highly polished aluminium tooling to provide the uniform, defect free finish seen on each pair of Anemoi extensions. The result is a pristine surface finish with no lacquer or treatments required - each extension is provided as moulded. We have coupled the benefits of carbon fibre, with aluminium 6082 T6 bonded hardpoints, so the major load paths are properly supported, providing the rider with reassurance that Anemoi extensions are not only fast, but safe too.
Pristine surface finish fresh out of the mould
The Anemoi aero extensions have been tested to ISO standard ISO 4210-5:2014, the safety standard for bicycle steering components. They passed. Exceeding the standard by 260%. A full safety test report will be released in the near future, documenting the full test process and results.
]]>Photo Credit - Crank Photo
Photo Credit - Dean Reeve Photography
“Every problem is an opportunity in disguise” - John Adams, former US President
Individual Pursuit:
For more information on any of the above products please email info@shopforwatts.co.uk.
Photo Credit = James Huntly Photography
Last week Alex Dowsett announced he was going to go for a second hour record attempt after Bradley Wiggins put a huge 1589m on to his old record. I had previously done some maths on Dowsett’s record to see what power he was putting out and what he might be able to achieve in the future. Now he’s announced a second attempt and is confident he can take the record back, I’ve decided to revisit the maths and see what is required to overhaul Wiggin’s 54.526km.
Since I last crunched the numbers Movistar have released Dowsett’s power data from his hour record set in May 2015. Unfortunately, it wasn’t released as a complete power profile rather, just an average power for the hour: 395w. Taking this value along with multiple variables taken from the day and interviews we can calculate Dowsett’s CdA, as well as what proportion of his power output was spent on accelerations, drivetrain, rolling resistance and aerodynamics.
The atmospheric conditions were taken as 26.5 degrees’ Celsius air temperature and 1007mBar air pressure, giving an air density of 1.160kg/m3. Comparing this to Wiggins hour record, where he experienced around 30 degrees Celsius on average with air pressure of 1036mBar, giving an air density of 1.176kg/m3. To put this in context, if Dowsett had ridden in the same conditions as Wiggins he would have required another 1.38% power output to maintain his 52.937km/h. This might seem small, but another thing to consider is Wiggins had to increase the air temperature significantly to compensate for the high air pressure. This increase in air temperature would have definitely taken its toll on Wiggins physiologically, resulting in a lower power output.
Dowsett did the hour record on Continental Tempo Track II tubulars, versus Wiggins on what look to be a custom compound of the Vittoria Pista Evo CL. Unfortunately, I don’t have any Crr (coefficient rolling resistance) values for the Continentals, however general opinion is that they don’t roll quite as well as the Vittorias. I do have some roller derived Crr values for the Vittoria Pista Evo CL, which came out at 0.0017. I have therefore assumed the Continentals to have a Crr of 0.0020 - a reasonable assumption.
Dowsett also appeared to run a standard chain with no wax optimisation and also ran typical sized chainrings. In comparison, Wiggins ran a Muc Off ‘nano’ optimised chain and rode with a large 58T chainring to reduce chain tension. Unlike standard chains and chainrings, this combination could save 1.5-2% of total power output.
Taking all of these factors in to account we can calculate Dowsett’s CdA, which comes out at 0.1905m2. From this we can then break down his performance in to its constituent drag sources:
Total Power: 395w
Aerodynamic Power: 351w
Rolling Resistance: 30w
Acceleration: 2.5w
Drivetrain: 11.5w
If Alex was to ride Wiggins hour record of 54.526km on the same bike in the same conditions he experienced back in May 2015 he would have to increase his power output by 36w, requiring 431w to complete the distance. This is a huge power increase at world class level, and is likely beyond the reach of Dowsett, even in peak form. If we are to look what TT power data Alex has released since the record, we are able to get an idea of what he might be capable of. When he broke the UK 25-Mile Comp Record early this year, Alex averaged 409w for 44:29. It stands to reason that with good training in the lead up to the second hour record that he might be able to sustain this power output for a further 15:31.
Having knowledge of this power output, we can start to consider what equipment changes and conditions could put Wiggins’ hour record within reach of Dowsett. Firstly, let’s assume he gets some superb atmospheric conditions with a low air pressure of 1000mBar and an optimum aerodynamic-physiology balance of air temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, giving an air density of 1.145kg/m3. This would bring the required power output down to 425w, still a little out of reach.
Next, let’s say Alex fits some Vittoria Pista Evo CL tubulars, lowering his Crr from 0.0020 to 0.0017. Dowsett now only needs 420.5w to match Wiggins. Optimising his drivetrain with a WattShop DirtyFast waxed chain alongside some oversized PEEK carbon-fibre chainrings from Pyramid Cycle Design could increase his drivetrain efficiency to 98.5%. Now Alex needs just 414.5w to draw level with Wiggins - but this is still a bit too much to ask.
The final, most crucial, value that Alex can work on is his CdA. It is well documented Alex spent significant time in the wind tunnel prior to his first hour record however, it was also stated there were compromises made for comfort. Since then Alex’s two major backers have made noticeable developments on their equipment: Canyon and Endura. Canyon have released an updated Speedmax time trial bike and Endura have a new silicon bead trip technology that has been employed by the Movistar pro cycling team over the past season. If these two key components can reduce Alex’s CdA from 0.1905m2 to 0.1880m2 then the required power output is now just 409.5w. Breaking this down to its constituent drag sources:
Total Power: 409.5w
Aerodynamic Power: 374.3w
Rolling Resistance: 26.5w
Acceleration: 2.7w
Drivetrain: 6w
To throw a curveball in, let’s see how Dowsett and Wiggins could’ve done at altitude. Going to altitude has some major benefits and also some negatives. At altitude, the air pressure is much lower, therefore reducing the air density. The extent of this is massively noticeable (air density can get as low as 0.90kg/m3) giving a directly proportional decrease in aerodynamic drag. 10% lower air density means 10% less aero drag or 2.15% (10^1/3) faster. However, the decrease in air pressure negatively affects the aerobic power the athlete can produce. Bassett et al have done studies to assess the effect on available aerobic power to both non-acclimatized and acclimatized athletes, at 1,000 feet intervals up to 14,000 feet above sea level. Using these percentage decreases of aerobic power, we can calculate the power the athlete will have available to them, and then calculate the distance accordingly. If Dowsett was to go to Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome in Mexico at 1887m above sea level with great conditions, giving an air density of 0.930kg/m3 and ensured he was fully acclimatized there on a completely optimised bike and a 409w FTP at sea level, he could achieve an amazing distance of 56.662km. This would put over 2km on to Wiggins record and also take Chris Boardman’s all-time record of 56.375km set in the superman position prior to the UCI Lugano Charter that brought along the unified hour record in 2014. However, had Wiggins decided to go to altitude for his record then he would take the mark to a huge 57.167km. I can’t see anybody toppling that any time soon.
To quote Alex - "We just want to get that record and do it in the most conservative, risk-safe way as possible. We're not interested in putting on a big old show because it's a big mark. But it's in me. The numbers show that it's in me." It’s true, the numbers do show that it’s in him. I wish Alex the best of luck in his next attempt, I really can’t wait!
]]>I think this shows quite clearly where the lowest hanging fruit is for cycling performance! Assuming you use your chain for just races and therefore rewax twice per year, you are getting better value per watt than deep section carbon fibre wheels, aero profiled handlebars, ceramic pulley wheels and an aero road bike. To order your WattShop DirtyFast chain just visit the online store.
References & Notes:
Any test data was normalised to 40kph. RRPs used for item costs.
Aero road bike: http://pelotonmagazine.com/tested/the-specialized-s-works-venge/
Tyre rolling resistances: http://www.biketechreview.com/tires_old/images/AFM_tire_testing_rev9.pdf
CeramicSpeed: http://www.ceramicspeed.com/sport/products/OSPW
Helmet difference: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/03/specialized-wind-tunnel.html
Castelli speedsuit: http://blog.castelli-cycling.com/2011/11/04/reviews-castellis-sanremo-speedsuit/
Flo Cycling wheels: http://www.flocycling.com/aero.php
Velotoze aero data: http://bikeboard.at/show_bericht.php?ber_id=6197&dsw=1
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