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What We Did
The 1 kilometre individual time trial is a track cycling event that requires the cyclist to complete the distance as fast as possible from a standing start upon a bicycle which meets Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rules. The University of Canterbury has developed a device to improve the initial start and thus final time for a C4 para cyclist with a physical impairment of their left arm.
A range of concepts were evaluated before building and testing functional prototypes of the chosen solutions. Due to the risks associated with track cycling, a solution was required that would not increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. For this reason, the design consists of two main parts: a removable carbon fibre arm brace that engages with a quick release receiver attached to the handle bar. A lever operated by the cyclist’s other arm is used to lock the receiver for the race start. In the event of a crash the receiver lock springs open and the arm brace is released.
Who Was Involved
Paralympics New Zealand
Why It Matters
Prior to the beginning of this project, due to the nature of the impairment, the cyclist was unable to cycle in a standing position (out of the saddle). They therefore used a seated cycling position for the whole race and this limited their initial acceleration. This project has provided a device that allows the cyclist to start out of the saddle and significantly improve their race time.
