Engineers using the University of Southampton's RJ Mitchell wind tunnel worked with the British cycling team in their preparation for the Beijing Olympics.
The world-renowned Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics carried out wind tunnel testing to accelerate the development of British Cycling's track bikes and riders. They focused on direct performance gains and improving understanding of the complex aerodynamics involved.
Wolfson engineer Dr Martyn Prince, who worked with British cyclists in the Southampton wind tunnel, said: "We congratulate the British Cycling team on their amazing achievements. It's great to be able to apply our engineering expertise in this way and a privilege to work with these top athletes. We're delighted that we have been able to help them with what they have achieved in Beijing. It has made all of our hard work together worthwhile."
The Wolfson Unit is one of eight organisations chosen as Innovation Partners to UK Sport, providing support to the UK's best athletes and coaches so that they can reach their full potential in international competitions.
Head of Research and Innovation at UK Sport, Dr Scott Drawer, added: "Working with the team at the Wolfson Unit has been a truly world-class experience. Their enthusiasm and passion for excellence never faltered during this Olympiad. We hope our working relationship will continue to go from strength to strength over the next four years as we try to build on the knowledge and insights we have gained in cycling and many of our other leading sports."
Working with the team at the Wolfson Unit has been a truly world-class experience. Their enthusiasm and passion for excellence never faltered during this Olympiad. We hope our working relationship will continue to go from strength to strength over the next four years as we try to build on the knowledge and insights we have gained in cycling and many of our other leading sports.