Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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06/27/2019 11:06 AM |
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I'm sure it will be translated soon, but some research on this topic came out just now.
Key point, a moto riding 30 m ahead of a (group of) rider(s) can reduce aerodynamic resistance by up to 12%, and lead to significant time gains of seconds per minute. In reality motos often ride much closer; and current UCI rules allow them to be closer.
Now I am of the opinion that we should probably not whine about the effects this may have on races too much and simply treat the motos and other support vehicles as random objects that may affect the racing. Much like in soccer, where a referee is basically seen as furniture on field and if a ball bounces off that referee and happens to lead to a goal, it counts. This actually happened a few weeks ago. One can blame the referee for poor placement on field but not for counting the goal. Shite happens.
https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/252455487/bewijs-grote-tijdswinst-wielrenners-achter-motor |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2881
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06/27/2019 11:24 AM |
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My opinion: the camera motos have huge draft and are giving the riders jumping from the group who aim for the moto a real boost as they try to open a gap for those few seconds they are in full draft. Maybe breathing some exhaust, too. The motos are too close |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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06/27/2019 01:12 PM |
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OC, it has been well established for years in triathlon that, even at legal following distance (10m currently, I think) there is still a draft benefit. I am therefore not shocked in the slightest that a bigger, wider object provides some draft benefit at bigger distances. Not certain I buy the 30m estimate, though...think about being a football field behind someone, even a truck. I have never noticed any draft benefit from that... Totally agree with your assessment...part of the playing field. If we want to see live race video, that is the price of admission. Motos should do their best to stay out of the action, but some interplay is inevitable. |
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Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Dale
Posts:1767
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06/27/2019 01:21 PM |
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...um.... CK, google the meters-to-yards conversion We've all seen video from the moto when the rider has slipped into the draft |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2881
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06/27/2019 02:59 PM |
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I absolutely buy that at speed, not climbing, even 30 m could matter. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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06/27/2019 03:20 PM |
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Posted By Dale Dale on 06/27/2019 01:21 PM
...um.... CK, google the meters-to-yards conversion
This...haha. If a football field was 30 m we'd be seeing a lot more goals and action. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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06/27/2019 09:12 PM |
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Posted By Dale Dale on 06/27/2019 01:21 PM
...um.... CK, google the meters-to-yards conversion We've all seen video from the moto when the rider has slipped into the draft
Meh....no one understand the stoopid metric system anyway. |
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Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Dale
Posts:1767
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06/29/2019 10:21 AM |
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I talked to an old NASCAR driver from back in the day when cars were less aero and he said he could feel the draft from about 300 yards (275 meters ) |
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