Scanning athletes and manufacturing wind tunnel cyclist models

On 1 July 2025 a masterclass will be given by Wouter Terra (Team TU Delft)
Location: Lilliad Learning Center

Coffee breaks and lunch included

Time 09.00-13.00

Introduction

From Athlete to Wind Tunnel Testing
Hands-on workshop on aerodynamic testing with cyclist mannequins

Aerodynamics is everything in modern cycling: it’s the invisible force that riders fight every second on the road. In the pursuit of marginal gains, wind tunnel testing has become essential — and to make those tests repeatable and reliable, cyclist mannequins now play a key role.

But creating a realistic mannequin isn’t as easy as it sounds. How do you turn a real athlete into a testable replica? How do you scan a body in a position that actually reflects real-world cycling? And once you’ve got the mannequin, how do you use it effectively in a wind tunnel?

This guided, hands-on workshop takes you through the full process — from scanning to testing — to help you get the most out of your own aerodynamic research.

Program

We kick off with an introduction to the use of cyclist mannequins in wind tunnel testing. You’ll learn about scanning real athletes — and then try it yourself. This interactive session lets you experience the challenges of 3D scanning a rider in a realistic posture and understand what it takes to capture usable data.

In the second part, we shift focus to mannequin production and usage in the wind tunnel. Based on years of practical experience, we’ll explore critical design aspects: bike mounting, stability under wind load, garment testing, and ease of assembly. You’ll get to see and handle real cyclist mannequins, and we’ll dive into best practices for wind tunnel testing — from ensuring repeatability to understanding sources of error.

Whether you’re new to wind tunnel testing or already have some experience, this workshop is designed to bring together curious newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. Come learn, try, ask, and share — and leave ready to make the most of your next aerodynamic test.

About the instructor

REGISTRATION FEES MASTERCLASSES SCIENCE & CYCLING 2025

(Including 21% French vat)

If you participate in this masterclass in combination with the masterclass on Optimizing Saddle Fit there is a combined fee.