What is the "strongest aerodynamic position" that controls ultra-fast bicycle downhill battle?

Known as the world's largest bicycle raceTour de FranceIt was British who controlled the 2016 convention ofChris / Flumewas. In the 8 th stage of the Tour de France 2016, Flume has been running downhill in a unique riding position named "super-tuck", and the argument that "What is the fastest position on the descending?" Is rising .

Techniques that give cyclists the edge in Tour de France | Daily Mail Online
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4661274/Scientists-reveal-effective-cycling-positions.html

You can check the super-tuck style with the flume after 100 seconds of the following movie.

IMPRESIONANTE VELOCIDAD EN EL DESCENSO DE CHRIS FROOME EN LA ETAPA 8 DEL TOUR DE FRANCIA - YouTube


Super-tuck is a style that straddles the top tube so that it can cover the handle. The appearance that Flume, which is not good at descending, suffered a fierce attack with the downhill, coupled with its unfavorable riding position, became one of the most impressive scenes of the Tour de France 2016. In addition, Flume says that super-tuck is "a momentary event" and it is a dangerous style that may lack the stability of the front wheel, so it can not be recommended for other riders.


It is rather interesting to be told not to imitate it, and Robert Blocknon, professor of Einth-Hoven Institute of Technology for fluid dynamics experts, gave aerodynamic characteristics for representative positions including Flume's riding form I studied.


Wind tunnel tests were conducted in the study, wind flow, air resistance, etc. are being investigated.


The flow of air in the wind tunnel test can be confirmed in the following movie.



The result of the CdA value obtained by integrating the front projected area (A) to the air resistance coefficient (Cd) is as follows. The most excellent CdA value was the style which became smaller to leave the body to the top tube "Top tube 4". Besides, "Pantani" which gets angry at the saddle and "Back down 2" of the traditional style continue, but the flume's super-tuck is No. 7 and it is 7.2 % Also resulted in greater resistance.


It was confirmed that Flume 's super - tuck was not so excellent in terms of air resistance in accordance with the theory, and it was as expected that there was a superior riding style over super - tuck.

However, surprisingly, I found the possibility that a certain riding form known for a long time is overwhelmingly superior to other positions. That form is the "Superman position" that Michael Gera of the Italian cyclist used once.

You can check the appearance of showing the height of the potential superman position hidden in the following movie.



A cyclist running downhill.


However, because the pace will not rise, the following vehicles are pulled out one by one.


I fell to the end of the group.


Just like "I can not help it, that one ... ...." When I goggle up, ......


Let go of the pedal ......


It looks like Superman. This is "Superman position"


Superman position riders start capturing the riders ahead ......


Dodge as it is ... ...


To the top as easily. In addition, I will puncture the trailing pedal hard.


Finally I passed the bike ahead.


A surprised motorcycle rider pasherpasa the camera.


I pulled away from this way, I returned to the usual riding position.


The picture in which Superman position hits other riders is shocking. By the way, according to experts, Superman position has higher safety than super-tuck position. However, which riding position is better depends on riders and bicycles, as well as various factors such as course layout such as presence / absence of up-down and handling, safety, etc., so it is decided unconditionally He said that he was not there.

Since the stage 12 on July 14 is downhill at the Tour de France 2017, attention will be gathered as to what kind of riding position each player will try after the race of last year's flume.