Acquisition, modeling, and visualization of performance parameters in race-bike training

Project members

Prof. Dietmar Saupe
Dipl.-Ing Thorsten Dahmen
M.Sc. Roman Byshko

Summary

We develop methods for data acquisition, analysis, modeling, optimization and visualization of performance parameters in endurance sports with emphasis on competitive cycling.

We use a differential GPS device (Leica GPS900) to extract high-precision trajectories of real cycling tracks. Together with other mechanical parameters of a specific cyclist and a bicycle, the equilibriom of pedalling power and resistance power defines the relation between pedalling power and cycling velocity. The resistance forces are composed of gravitational and inertial forces as well as wind, rolling and bearing resistances.

This model is implemented in our own software that controls the brake force of a commercial Cyclus2 ergometer (RBM Elektronik). Additionally, synchronized videos of cycling tracks, an electronic gear shifter and the recording and visualization of various performance parameters during a ride are the main features of our validated cycling simulator. Furthermore, we use a cycling power meter (SRM) to measure the pedalling power in the field.

In order to optimize the pacing strategy for time trials of a specific cyclist on a specific bicycle and track, we calibrate a physiological endurance model using standard ergometer tests. The optimal pacing is defined as the pacing that ensures that the cyclist finishes the track in minimum time subject to the constraint that the physiological condition of the cyclist is always withing an admissable range. Once the optimal pacing is known, we can give instructions to the cyclist during his ride so that he can learn the optimal tactic aproach for a given track.

Publications

D. Saupe et al. Analysis and visualization of space-time variant parameters in endurance sports training. Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Computer Science in Sports (IACSS 2007), 2007.

Thorsten Dahmen. Simulation and optimization of race-bike training on real tracks (abstract). Proceedings des gemeinsamen Workshops der Informatik-Graduiertenkollegs und Forschungskollegs 2009, Avanes, A., Fahland, D., Geibig, J., Haschemi, S., Heglmeier, S., Sadilek, D. A., Theisselmann, F., Wachsmuth, G., Weißleder, S. (eds.), July 2009, pp. 22-23, Dagstuhl, Germany.

Thorsten Dahmen, Dietmar Saupe. A simulator for race-bike training on real tracks (abstract). Proceedings 14th Annual ECSS Congress, June 2009.

Thorsten Dahmen, Roman Byshko, Martin Röder, Stephan Mantler, Dietmar Saupe. Validation of a Model and of a Simulator for Road Cycling on Real Tracks. Submitted.

Thorsten Dahmen. Kalibrierung eines Leistungs-Geschwindigkeits-Modells für Rennradfahrten mit realen Leistungs- und Höhendaten. Sportinformatik. September 2010, Darmstadt, Germany.

Roman Byshko. Exploration und Visualisierung von Leistungsparametern beim Radrahren. Sportinformatik. September 2010, Darmstadt, Germany.

Stefan Wolf, Thorsten Dahmen. Optimierung der Geschwindigkeitssteuerung während Zeitfahrten im Radsport. Sportinformatik.September 2010, Darmstadt, Germany.