| Rider | Distance | Power | CdA | Delta vs Current |
|---|
At high track cycling speeds (>50 km/h), aerodynamic drag accounts for nearly 90% of all resistance. The mechanical power delivered to the rear wheel follows the classic equation:
P_wheel = (0.5 · ρ · CdA · v² + Crr · m · g) · v
Accounting for drivetrain efficiency (η = 1 - loss), the rider's sustained pedaling power is P_rider = P_wheel / η. The simulation solves for velocity v via Newton-Raphson iteration.
Remco Evenepoel is renowned in modern cycling for achieving one of the lowest drag coefficients in professional peloton history (estimated CdA ~0.190–0.200 m² due to his compact 171 cm torso and hyper-low aerodynamic tuck). While Filippo Ganna produces ~460W with a larger frontal area (CdA ~0.218 m²), Remco can theoretically match or exceed Ganna's 56.792 km world record with ~430–445W sustained.
Historically, riders like Eddy Merckx (1972) and Victor Campenaerts raced at Aguascalientes or Mexico City (~1,800–2,200m altitude) where air density ρ drops below 1.00 kg/m³, reducing aero resistance by ~18%. However, reduced oxygen saturation impairs human aerobic VO2 max power by 8–12%. This simulator lets you calibrate that exact trade-off.