Swiss Side, renowned for its expertise in bicycle aerodynamics, has unveiled the Performance Platform—a sophisticated decision-support system tailored to assist cyclists and triathletes in optimizing equipment choices and developing effective pacing strategies. (swissside.com)
A Data-Driven Approach to Performance Enhancement
The Performance Platform leverages advanced simulations grounded in physics to eliminate the uncertainties often associated with race-day decisions. By integrating variables such as course profiles, weather conditions, and wind patterns, the platform quantifies potential time gains achievable through optimal equipment selection and pacing strategies. This comprehensive analysis encompasses rider and bike parameters, including aerodynamics, rolling resistance, weight, and the rider’s physiological metrics. Swiss Side’s extensive database, developed through collaborations with professional athletes and rigorous testing, provides estimations for factors that riders may not readily access. (swissside.com)
Optimizing Equipment Selection and Pacing Strategies
The platform offers tools for equipment comparison and pacing strategy optimization. It segments courses into distinct sections—such as steep descents and flat stretches with tailwinds—to provide accessible pacing strategies and power-output targets, highlighting time gains and losses associated with various approaches. Users can upload their own route files or choose from a built-in library of official courses, facilitating tailored analyses. Additionally, the platform delivers feedback to help athletes learn from their simulation results, fostering continuous improvement. (swissside.com)
Collaborations with Professional Teams
Swiss Side’s Performance Platform has been instrumental for WorldTour teams and triathletes aiming to enhance their performance. Since 2014, Swiss Side has applied methodologies from Formula 1 racing to assist teams like Team Sky in time trials, team time trials, and key segments of road stages. This collaboration continued with the Ineos Grenadiers and more recently with Decathlon CMA CGM. For instance, a simulation of Laura Philipp’s 180km Ironman Nice bike leg in 2024 demonstrated that a triathlon bike could be over eight minutes faster than a road bike, despite its heavier weight and the technical, hilly course with 2,500m of ascent. The simulation also identified more than two minutes to be gained by over-pacing on climbs and recovering on descents. (swissside.com)
Accessibility and Subscription Plans
The Swiss Side Performance Platform is web-based and accessible via phone, tablet, or computer. Public access is available immediately, with subscription plans priced at €19 per month or €119 per year. (swissside.com)
By harnessing the power of data-driven simulations, the Swiss Side Performance Platform empowers athletes to make informed decisions, optimize their performance, and approach race day with confidence.