My research helps Danish cyclists chase Olympic gold

The research may contribute to …

… the development of clothing, helmets and other equipment used by elite cyclists. It’s not about aesthetics. The texture and type of fabric can have a huge impact on drag. If we look at the team pursuit final in cycling at the Olympic Games in 2020, the difference between gold and silver was less than 0.2 seconds. That’s why these optimizations matter so much. My research supports Team Denmark’s preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

It’s been a good day at work when …

… I’ve been able to help the athletes. These athletes set everything aside to chase their dreams and perform at the highest level. If I can contribute to that dream, that’s a good day for me. When I meet with the cyclists, I can really feel their passion and willingness to do whatever it takes to win.

I became a PhD student at DTU …

… because I could combine my interest in sports with engineering. I discovered my passion for aerodynamics during my bachelor back in the Netherlands. So, when I came to Denmark to study wind energy at DTU, I was able to write my master’s thesis on the aerodynamics of the Olympic rowing team. That’s one cool thing about DTU; you can shape your own master’s programme and focus on the subjects that interest you most.
I got in contact with Team Denmark while looking for my master’s thesis project. After the thesis, the cycling project already existed in idea form. Eventually, funding was secured for the PhD, which I am now pursuing.

As a new student, I was surprised by …

… the difference between simulations and real life. In simulations and wind tunnel tests, you create the perfect situation. But real life includes weather, movement, psychology, sleep, nutrition, and many other factors. That is why close dialogue with athletes and coaches is essential. You need to listen to people and use common sense. It’s important not to look only at the science.

In the future, I’d like to work on …

… elite sports. The methods from my PhD can be applied to many other sports. Together with my own supervisors, we’ve supervised around ten bachelor’s and master’s projects connected to sports aerodynamics in rowing, triathlon, skeleton, and swimming. So, when I’ve completed my PhD, I hope to continue working with Team Denmark as a performance engineer.

I switch off from work when …

… I spend time with my friends, fx. when we go gravel cycling in the forests around Copenhagen, playing boardgames, or having dinners. For me, it’s about being outside, having fun and enjoying time together.

I get new ideas for solutions, when I …

… talk with athletes, coaches and other engineers. When we brainstorm together, ideas just start flowing. It is this combination of engineering expertise, collaboration and passion for sport that drives my research forward and perhaps brings Danish cycling one step closer to Olympic gold.