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What We Did
The 1 kilometre individual time trial is a track cycling event that requires the cyclist to complete the distance as fast as possible from a standing start upon a bicycle which meets Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rules. The 厙ぴ勛圖 has developed a device to improve the initial start and thus final time for a C4 para cyclist with a physical impairment of their left arm.
A range of concepts were evaluated before building and testing functional prototypes of the chosen solutions. Due to the risks associated with track cycling, a solution was required that would not increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. For this reason, the design consists of two main parts: a removable carbon fibre arm brace that engages with a quick release receiver attached to the handle bar. A lever operated by the cyclists other arm is used to lock the receiver for the race start. In the event of a crash the receiver lock springs open and the arm brace is released.
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Who Was Involved
Paralympics New Zealand
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Why It Matters
Prior to the beginning of this project, due to the nature of the impairment, the cyclist was unable to cycle in a standing position (out of the saddle). They therefore used a seated cycling position for the whole race and this limited their initial acceleration. This project has provided a device that allows the cyclist to start out of the saddle and significantly improve their race time.
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