Updated 04/30/2008 07:33 AM
Team Type 1 ready to tour America
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- A team of cyclists from around the world worked to perfect their technique at A2 Wind Tunnel on Tuesday.
With the help of the wind tunnel, experts and some computer technology, the cyclists pinpointed ways to shave seconds off their time. Those savings will add up during their week-long journey across the country to raise awareness for diabetes.
Mike Giraud of A2 Wind Tunnel said, “The rider accounts for about 80 percent of the drag.” So improving the riding style of each cyclist creates less wind resistance and improves time.
As a cyclist works on a stationary cycle inside the wind tunnel, trainers and wind tunnel employees critique the rider’s style. Then the rider is told to start pedaling. “We let that happen for 45 seconds to a minute and then we're ready to start taking data,” said Giraud.
Giraud collects data from multiple inputs and watches three camera angles on the cycler. After adjusting the handle bars on the cycle just a few millimeters, Giraud points out where the cyclist saved time. “We can save them a significant amount of time.”
With the help of the wind tunnel, experts and some computer technology, the cyclists pinpointed ways to shave seconds off their time.
The wind tunnel helps the cyclists realize the resistance they'll have out on the road. But this unique cycling team already overcomes daily obstacles.
“We all race bikes, we all love to compete, but we have this common bond of Type 1 Diabetes,” said Bob Shrenk, one of the competitors in Team Type 1.
Shrenk is preparing for his June 11 trip from California to Maryland as part of Race Across America. Team Type 1 will be one of the teams competing and they aren’t letting diabetes get in the way. The 10-man team will take on the 3,200 mile ride to spread one message.
“You can do anything. It just takes a little more work to manage it. But you can do anything,” said Giraud.
With a little more work in the wind tunnel, the cyclists feel more prepared to take on the cross-country trip.
The Race Across America touches 14 states and teams typically spend 6-9 days riding for 24 hours from California to Maryland.
Team Type 1 will have updated blogs of their journey on their website.