The Future of Cycling Isn’t on the Road—It’s Under It
The margins in professional cycling have shrunk to the point where gains are measured in fractions of a second. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is betting that those fractions can be found not through harder training, but through a radical application of aerospace technology: Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV). Their recent tests, conducted in a decommissioned 1.7-mile railway tunnel filled with helium bubbles and lasers, aren’t about immediate performance boosts for Remco Evenepoel; they’re about fundamentally reshaping how cycling teams understand and manipulate airflow – and it signals a coming revolution in the sport.
Beyond Wind Tunnels: The Rise of PIV in Cycling
For decades, wind tunnels have been the gold standard for aerodynamic testing in cycling. But even the most sophisticated wind tunnels have limitations. They struggle to accurately replicate the turbulent, real-world conditions a rider faces on the road. PIV offers a solution. By illuminating millions of microscopic helium bubbles with lasers, PIV makes airflow *visible*, allowing engineers to capture incredibly detailed data on how air moves around a rider and their bike. This data, as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe performance engineer Dan Bigham explains, isn’t meant to replace existing methods, but to validate and refine them.
“It’s not only about bringing performance this very moment,” Bigham told Velo. “It’s something that’s about long-term development.” The team isn’t chasing quick wins; they’re building a more accurate foundation for future aerodynamic optimization. This is a shift from reactive testing – tweaking equipment based on race results – to proactive design, informed by a deeper understanding of aerodynamic principles.
How PIV Works: Borrowing from Formula 1 and Aerospace
PIV isn’t new; it’s been used in Formula 1 and aerospace engineering for years. The technology relies on high-speed cameras capturing the movement of those illuminated helium bubbles. This creates a detailed “map” of airflow, revealing eddies, turbulence, and drag-inducing patterns that would be invisible to the naked eye. The Catesby Tunnel, a unique facility built within a former railway line, provides the ideal controlled environment for these tests – eliminating wind and allowing for precise temperature control. You can learn more about the Catesby Project and its capabilities here.
The Data Deluge: CFD and the Future of Bike Design
The raw data generated by PIV is immense. That’s where Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) comes in. CFD uses powerful computers to simulate airflow around objects, but its accuracy depends on the quality of the input data. Red Bull’s strategy is to use PIV data to “ground truth” their CFD models, ensuring they accurately reflect real-world conditions. This allows them to virtually test countless bike designs and rider positions without the expense and logistical challenges of physical testing.
This isn’t just about aerodynamics, either. PIV data can also inform material science, helping teams select the most aerodynamic materials for bike frames, helmets, and even clothing. The potential applications are vast, and the investment required is substantial – a single day at the Catesby Tunnel costs $20,000. But for teams like Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, the potential return on investment – a Tour de France victory – is worth the price.
A New Arms Race: Will Other Teams Follow Suit?
Red Bull’s move is likely to trigger a new arms race in professional cycling. While the initial cost of PIV testing is high, the benefits are potentially game-changing. Management at the Catesby Tunnel have already reported inquiries from other WorldTour teams and bike brands. The question isn’t *if* other teams will adopt PIV, but *when*. Teams like UAE Emirates, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Lidl-Trek will likely feel pressure to invest in similar technologies to remain competitive.
This trend extends beyond PIV itself. Red Bull’s multi-sport approach – leveraging expertise and resources from Formula 1, aerospace, and other disciplines – is a model that other teams may try to emulate. The days of cycling teams operating in isolation are over. The future of the sport will be shaped by cross-disciplinary collaboration and a relentless pursuit of marginal gains.
The shift towards data-driven optimization, exemplified by Red Bull’s PIV testing, represents a fundamental change in how professional cycling operates. It’s a move away from intuition and towards scientific precision. And while the immediate impact on race results may be subtle, the long-term implications are profound. The sport is entering a new era – one where the battle for victory is fought not just on the road, but in underground tunnels, with lasers, bubbles, and the power of advanced data analysis.
What are your predictions for the impact of PIV and similar technologies on professional cycling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
