A Numerical Study of Cyclist-Cyclist Aerodynamic Interaction towards Efficient Overtaking Strategy

Abstract In cycling races, overtaking is a crucial maneuver that involves drafting behind and moving to the side of another cyclist. The flow interaction between the cyclists has a very significant impact on the aerodynamic performance. Previous experimental and numerical studies have shown the aerodynamic drag changes at certain relative positions between cyclists. This study aims at providing a comprehensive aerodynamic power contour along a complete overtaking path, detailing the power at different relative positions to develop efficient overtaking strategies. The aerodynamic results are obtained with numerical simulations, the accuracy of which is validated against wind tunnel experiments. Improved sampling and data-fitting approaches are employed to enhance previous findings. The results show that starting the overtaking maneuver closest to the leading cyclist and overtaking with a larger lateral separation is the most aerodynamically efficient strategy. These findings provide valuable insights into developing optimal overtaking strategies in competitive cycling races.