High performance

Cycling research at VU

The 72 gram Torxtar offered Australian cyclists the winning edge

Research led by Dr David Rouffet from VU’s Institute of Sport Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) is looking at variations in pedal force that cyclists produce throughout the pedalling cycle, at different rates of revolution and on different bike set-ups.

The team of researchers developed the 72-gram Torxtar™, unique technology that has helped shave time from the performances of Australia’s elite track cyclists by recording and analysing the biomechanics of their pedalling during training.

The study has achieved impressive results, significantly contributing to the improved performance of three elite junior cyclists, where one participant won his first world championship at the 2011 UCI Junior Track World Championships in Russia.

News: In pursuit of winning (August 2012), VU scientists enhance cycling performance (September 2011)

“This new approach can provide up to five per cent gain in power production for sprint track cyclists, which represents a significant gain for elite performance.”

David is an early career researcher with a strong expertise in Electromyography and Kinesiology and in the analysis of sport performances.

Dr David Rouffet, PhD Research Fellow
Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living
Phone: +61 3 9919 4384
Email: david.rouffet@vu.edu.au