Hong Kong is aiming for gold at the Paris Olympics. Scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are creating a winning formula for speed.
They have developed a cutting-edge aerodynamic suit for the city’s cyclists, hailed as the 'Savile Row' of sportswear.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), professors Xin Zhang and Zhou Peng from HKUST have characterised the suit as “the best in the world”. It will shave precious seconds off cycling times.
Prof Zhang, a renowned aeronautical engineer, is leading this project. Prof Zhang adds unparalleled expertise to the project, having previously worked in Formula One and played a key part in the development of the wind tunnel utilised by British Cycling’s gold-winning squad.
Representational image of the gear. Image: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
The challenge of wind resistance
Wind resistance is a cyclist‘s greatest challenge. It is the force that resists a cyclist’s forward motion as they push through the air.
In the 1990s, Graeme Obree, also known as the Flying Scotsman, faced criticism for his unusual 'Superman' riding posture.
However, his experimental method of minimising wind resistance has been credited with transforming cycling in major competitions and influencing many current advances.
Every stitch and every fabric has been meticulously chosen after a series of careful evaluations. It is a combination of science and fashion, intended to minimise drag and improve performance.
The suit is designed using modern aerodynamic concepts and is matched to each cyclist’s body shape.
Ceci Lee Sze-wing, Hong Kong’s emerging cycling star, will be the first to wear this outfit at the Olympics. The suit is designed to reduce air resistance by about 3%. The new suit might increase her speed by 1%, giving her a 1.5 bike length advantage in each 250m circuit.
“It is marginal … but it makes a discernible difference,” Prof Zhang told SCMP. “The suit has several types of fabric and pattern. Nothing is there without consideration for aero design. Each athlete’s suit is individually tailored. If the public goes to Marks & Spencer, this is Savile Row,” added Prof Zhang.
The previous version of this suit was worn by Sarah Lee Wai-Sze, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. She wore the 'aero speed suit' created by the same team at HKUST.
Extensive testing
However, constructing this high-tech outfit was not a simple process. The developers used a combination of wind tunnel testing, computer simulations, and athlete feedback to perfect the design.
HKUST’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel claimed to be the best in the world, was instrumental in refining the suit’s design. The test part of this wind tunnel is 2.5m broad and 2m tall.
The team improvised the fabric, pattern, and fit of the suit through meticulous testing. This involved tests on mannequins to simulate human riders. Moreover, the Tianhe-2 supercomputer played an important role in creating a digital replica of the cyclist and the suit, allowing for precise simulations and optimisations.
HKUST’s partnership with sportswear manufacturer Bossini resulted in personalised clothing for each athlete.
As the Paris Olympics approach, the world waits to see if this aerodynamic marvel can bring gold to Hong Kong.