Modelling cornering speed in road cycling
Keywords:
road cycling, turns, speed, frictionAbstract
Cornering performance is a key factor in downhill road cycling, yet the mechanisms governing speed regulation in turns remain poorly quantified. In this study, three professional cyclists performed repeated descents of a ~3 km road segment, with speed recorded at 10 Hz and turn geometry characterised through curvature. Minimum speeds in turns were found to be consistent across riders and primarily determined by the curvature radius R, with sharper turns leading to lower speeds. This behaviour is well described by a friction-based model vlim = (μ*g*R)1/2, which accurately predicts whether braking is required. A dynamical model incorporating this constraint reproduces the measured speed profiles and correctly identifies braking locations. These results demonstrate that a simple friction-based framework captures the main mechanisms governing speed regulation in downhill cycling and can be used to provide pre-race guidance on achievable speeds and appropriate precautions in each turn.Downloads
References
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