Aerodynamic analysis of uphill drafting in cycling

Abstract Some teams aiming for victory in a mountain stage cycling take control the uphill sections of stage. While drafting, team imposes high speed at front peloton defending their leader from opponent’s attacks. Drafting is well-known strategy on flat or descending and has been studied before this context. However, there are no systematic extensive studies scientific literature aerodynamic effect drafting. even suggested that gradients above 7.2% speeds drop to 17 km/h air resistance can be neglected. In paper, drafting analyzed quantified by means drag reductions power obtained computational fluid dynamics simulations validated with wind tunnel measurements. It shown 7.2%, yield substantial benefits. allows cyclists save over 7% slope 7.5% 6 m/s. At 8 m/s, reduction exceed 16%. Sensitivity analyses indicate significant savings achieved, also varying bicycle, cyclist, road environmental characteristics.