Southampton Wind Tunnel Blows Gold In Beijing

August 21, 2008

Engineers using the University of Southampton’s R J Mitchell wind tunnel have helped the British Cycling team win Gold in Beijing.

The world-renowned Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics (WUMTIA) has carried out wind tunnel testing to accelerate the development of track bikes and riders for the Beijing Olympics.

Using their expertise, they have focussed on direct performance gains and improving understanding of the complex aerodynamics involved.

WUMTIA engineer Dr Martyn Prince, who worked with British cyclists in the Southampton wind tunnel, said: "We congratulate the British Cycling team on this amazing achievement. It is great to be able to apply our engineering expertise in this way and a privilege to work with these top athletes.

"We’re delighted that we have been able to help them achieve Gold in Beijing, making all of our hard work together worthwhile."

Chris Hoy testing in the Southampton wind tunnel. (Credit: UK Sport and Paul McCabe, Southampton Photographic)

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