The individual time trial as an optimal control problem
In a cycling time trial, the rider needs to distribute his power output optimally to minimize the time between start and finish. Mathematically, this is an optimal control problem. Even for a straight and flat course, its solution is non-trivial and involves a singular control, which corresponds to a power that is slightly above the aerobic level. The rider must start at full anaerobic power to reach an optimal speed and maintain that speed for the rest of the course. If the course is flat but not straight, then the speed at which the rider can round the bends becomes crucial.
© Copyright 2017 Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.
| Subjects: | |
|---|---|
| Notations: | technical and natural sciences endurance sports |
| Tagging: | Zeitfahren |
| Published in: | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2017
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/1754337117705057 |
| Volume: | 231 |
| Issue: | 3 |
| Pages: | 200-206 |
| Document types: | article |
| Level: | advanced |