Podcast: Wind Tunnel Testing With Tahnée Seagrave
Words - Chris Hall // Photography - Dan Hearn
With gaps like 0.581 of a second splitting Loic Bruni and Troy Brosnan for gold and silver medals at the 2019 World Champs in Mont-Sainte-Anne, and 0.94 of a second separating Eddie Masters and Richie Rude after 43 minutes of racing in Les Orres, it’s clear that marginal gains have a role to play in competition. These small gains can definitely impact the results, and change the makeup of the podium.
So with that in mind, where do riders look for these marginal gains? Clearly there are myriad things a rider can and does do, in order to be their best when it’s time to compete. One area that has had much speculation over the years is aerodynamics. If you’re as old as me then you’ll remember the days of skinsuits and riding without a helmet peak which certainly created some controversy. Both were effectively banned as a lot of people felt it damaged the look of the sport, but that’s not going to stop people looking for gains. Rules are always open to interpretation.
Trek World Racing put Tracy Moseley, Justin Leov and Andrew Neethling in a wind tunnel back in 2009, in 2016 Specialized Gravity carried out wind tunnel testing with Loic Bruni and Loris Vergier, and who knows what other teams might have done behind closed doors. Clearly no one is going to share their results, but it would be hard to miss the move from shorts to full pants, and a clear trend towards tighter fitting clothing, especially when race runs come around.
Are there still aerodynamic gains to be had? Well, that’s what I wanted to find out, and after a recent podcast episode with Formula 1 aerodynamics guru, Tony Salter, the door was opened on a way to do just that. It turns out that Tony’s ex-boss had been involved in setting up a sports specific wind tunnel and Tony was wondering if I knew of any teams that might be keen to come and do some testing. I didn’t need asking twice and was straight on the phone to Tony Seagrave from FMD Racing to see if he’d be keen to put Tahnée in the wind tunnel. Not surprisingly he was, so early this year, we headed to Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub to see what we could find out.
Time for coffee and test planning.
Tony explains to Tahnée what to expect.
The bike is held in place with slim supports so as not to affect the test results.
Ready to go... time for run 1.
Data is projected on the floor for Tahnée to see during test runs.
Edge detection allows the rider to ensure they repeat the same position.
Each test run was discussed in detail between Tahnée and the test team.
Even small changes can make a big difference.
The plan was modified through the day as we learned more.
The all important tuck.
Dip and get low.
Fabien is a man with a plan.
What an amazing facility.
When your team boss and Dad helps you understand what the wind tunnel might feel like.
This is where the wind actually comes from.
Wind tunnel squad.
Why not?
Just how aerodynamic is a no-hander anyway?
Gain seekers went home happy
So are there still aerodynamic gains to be had? Well let's just say we were pretty surprised at the impact of some of the changes that we made throughout the day. Eye-opening indeed!
Keep a close eye on Tahnée at the races this year and see if you can spot any aerodynamic changes from her 2019 set up.
If you want to hear more about the wind tunnel testing, along with interviews with Fabien and Tahnée, then listen to the latest episode of the podcast by using the player below.
You can also listen by searching for ‘Downtime Podcast’ on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Podcasts, by asking Alexa, or over on our website www.downtimepodcast.com/wind-tunnel/ and you can follow us on Instagram @downtimepodcast
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….through my tree
She rides the night next to me
She leads me through moonlight
Only to burn me with the sun
She's taken my heart
But she doesn't know what she's done
if you look on the floor the linkage looks different
And on the 5th photo, you can see the headtube area which different, plus, front wheel and back wheel aren't at the same height. Must be a 29/27 version
.3.012 A full-face helmet must be worn properly both when racing and when training on the course. The helmet must be fitted with a peak. Open-face helmets may not be worn.
Fox can call it a chicken sandwich if they want, but it is a peak. I very clearly and accurately answered your question, you're welcome.
Lets leave it that way ;-) Not worth it mate
UCI CYCLING REGULATIONS
PART 4 MOUNTAIN BIKE
Clothing and protective accessories
4.3.011 All lycra-elastane based tight-fitting clothing is not permitted.
4.3.012 A full-face helmet must be worn properly both when racing and when training on the
course. The helmet must be fitted with a peak. Open-face helmets may not be worn.
www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/4mtb-e-1.01.2019---final---ok-publication.pdf?sfvrsn=9954e8cc_20
That's how serious this matter is.
Cos if not, why not.
Easily the most ridiculous UCI rule ever.
DH is the only self-propelled time trial sport where they're disallowed, because "reasons" apparently
Turn gear rules into downhill ski rules again & we just become boring & gimmicky again.
d3e1m60ptf1oym.cloudfront.net/c1500f90-1b20-4be5-95d6-3042ad98725f/A13981-CEDRIC-GRACIA_xlarge.jpg
Totally agree.
Those lads and girls on the circuit look good in the kit they're wearing and it has evolved to be functionally adapted to the sport instead of wearing hand offs from motocross.
The guys complaining the loudest are probably mostly slightly overweight middle aged guys who cannot in good conscience wear the same stuff without looking ridiculous. It's OK, more baggy fitting stuff is available and nobody is judging, but if those who can wear it are able to gain an advantage while looking good, where's the problem with that?
Seriously, I've been around long enough to witness the change and I welcome it. Modern riding gear is the most comfortable I've ever been on a bike. No floppy cloth to catch on a saddle, no chafing sounds while pedaling and most importantly, not looking like a goofy wannabe motox rider to civilians in the parking lot. We finally have our own identity and it helps change the public perception in my experience. People stopped viewing dh as some sort of freakshow for guys with too high a sensation seeking and give it credit as a legitimate sport, in part I'm sure because now we dress like athletes. I wouldn't wanna miss the old times but clothing just has gotten a lot better and downhill has matured into doing its own thing.
If you want protection, you enforce protecion, not ban something totally different. As if skin suits couldn't be worn over armor...
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