New study: Formation flight instead of single file?

A new study sheds light on the aerodynamic advantages of different cyclist formations and questions traditional approaches. Teams usually ride in single file to provide wind protection for a rider who wants to rejoin the main group after a crash or flat tyre, for example. However, the current study shows that this form is not always the most effective. Researchers from Heriot-Watt University and KU Leuven used high-resolution CFD simulations to analyse 27 different formations of three, four and five cyclists. With three riders, an inverted triangle formation (two riders in front, one behind) proved to be particularly efficient, as it reduces air resistance by up to 39 per cent. With four riders, a diamond formation (1-2-1) reduces wind resistance by 38 per cent, with all riders benefiting from the improved aerodynamics. With five riders together, the 2-2-1 formation enables a reduction in drag of 24 per cent; all the formations examined provide a clear advantage over the best position in a single file. So much for the theory - the realisation in a race is likely to be difficult for many reasons.

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Under absolute full load, drivers must try to concentrate on the person in front. When travelling in a row, they have the option of swerving sideways to avoid a collision if there is an excess of speed. When travelling side by side, side swerving is no longer possible without restriction. Riding side by side is also likely to entail considerable risks in crosswinds. A small gust of wind is enough to cause the formation to fall apart or, in the worst case, even cause a crash. In theory, the models appear to be more efficient, but in practice they are not yet being implemented.