AeronauticsFive years of innovation: when cycling revolutionises industry
Since 2021, ALTEN and the French Cycling Federation (FFC) have been transforming the challenges of elite sport into concrete industrial solutions. What began with a simple question “How can we optimise cyclists’ performance?” has led to innovations now deployed in the rail sector, among others.
A look back at innovations that have proven their worth, first on the track and then in factories.
Aerodynamic optimisation: from race-winning seconds to energy-saving percentages
To shave off those precious seconds in competition, ALTEN developed real-time optimisation algorithms designed for sport. These solutions analyse key parameters such as gradient, wind, and athletes’ morphology, combined with digital twins for ultra-precise 3D modelling.
Today, this expertise in data science, 3D modelling, and simulation extends beyond sport. For example, by analysing track profiles, weather conditions, and train weights, much like a cycling time trial, our engineers have enabled more accurate calculations of train energy consumption. These technologies, first tested with athletes, now deliver major gains at scale in a sector where every percentage of performance counts.
Materials tested in competition for more sustainable trains
The digital twin also helped analyse the impact of materials and shapes on sports equipment, particularly cycling helmets. By 3D-scanning the cyclist, we optimised the helmet’s shape to better adapt to airflow. This research, conducted to enhance athletes’ performance, was later transferred to one of our rail sector clients for train fairings, enabling:
- The design of more aerodynamic trains through 3D modelling, reducing air resistance, just like cycling helmets. An innovation set to improve energy efficiency on a large scale.
- Enhanced sustainability: Materials tested in competition are now used to create more efficient fairings, cutting energy consumption and maintenance costs. A major breakthrough for both sport and industry.
Innovation in sport: a tangible industrial impact
After five years of collaboration, the results are already visible. The technologies developed with the FFC allow industrial partners to:
- Control costs through better energy prediction, a priority for both athletes and businesses.
- Innovate faster by leveraging solutions proven in extreme conditions, like those used by elite athletes.
- Boost performance with real-time optimisation tools inspired by sporting challenges.
“Innovation knows no bounds: what optimised an athlete’s performance yesterday is now being applied to trains, and much more tomorrow,” explains Steve Peguet, ALTEN Scientific Director.
Proof that advances from sport can revolutionise industry on a large scale while pushing the limits of performance.ustrie à grande échelle, tout en repoussant les limites de la performance.
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