03 Sep 2009 | Ref. 142/2009
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British cycling is benefitting from a new timing system designed by BAE Systems
MANCHESTER, UK: BAE Systems has installed a sophisticated performance monitoring system at the Manchester Velodrome to give British cyclists a further edge in training.
The laser-timing technology, derived from a battle space identification system, represents an entirely new approach to monitoring performance in cycling, improving on previous break-beam systems which are unable to differentiate between individual athletes. The system is the latest development to stem from BAE Systems’ £1.5 million value-in-kind technology partnership with UK Sport aimed at helping British athletes in their quest for medals at World and European Championships as well as future Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Up to 30 cyclists will be able to train simultaneously with the new timing system, which uses a laser able to read a personalised code from a retro reflective tag attached to each bike. Installed at multiple points around the track, the system gives individual recordings for each cyclist with millisecond accuracy.
Jamie Staff, Beijing Olympic gold medallist, said: “This technology is a major step forward in training for us and will provide more accurate data to hone performances for future events. As a sprinter it is vital that we have the most accurate system available – current break beam systems cannot differentiate between cyclists on the track and are less accurate, so this new technology will allow us to train harder and more as team.”
James Baker, Director of Technology and Engineering Services for BAE Systems, added: “The new performance system demonstrates the essential role of engineering in helping our athletes to achieve those fractional improvements, which are often key to sporting success.
“We are proud to have the opportunity to harness the skills of our 18,000 engineers to support the British athletes as they prepare for success on the world stage. Our ongoing partnership with UK Sport offers an ideal opportunity for us to showcase the importance of engineering and how it can make a difference to everyone's lives. With this work we hope that more young people will consider a career in engineering."
Dr Scott Drawer, Head of Research and Innovation for UK Sport, said: “At this crucial time for British sport it is fantastic to be able to tap into BAE Systems’ expertise in innovation to support us in delivering bespoke performance solutions to our athletes, which will ultimately help them strive for future success.
“This particular project is a fantastic example of how knowledge and experience from outside the sporting world can be applied effectively to give our athletes an edge in their preparation and training.”
Launched in January 2008, the five-year technology partnership is providing state-of-the-art technological support to British sports with access to the technical knowledge and expertise of BAE Systems' UK-based engineers. In addition to the work with British Cycling, BAE Systems and UK Sport are working together to develop new technologies for several of Britain’s other successful sports, and will continue to do so over the coming three years.
UK Sport is the strategic lead body for high performance sport in the UK. It invests Exchequer and National Lottery funds in Britain’s best summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes to maximise their chances of success on the world stage. IT underpins this investment through providing dedicated support services to sports and athletes such as Talent ID and Research and Innovation. UK Sport also leads the campaign to bring strategically important sporting events to our shores; works with National Governing Bodies and other partner organisations to help them build positive working relationships with International Federations and other international bodies; and currently acts as National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) for the UK.
British Cycling is the national governing body for cycle sport in the UK whose aim is to inspire participation in cycling as a sport, recreation and sustainable transport through achieving worldwide success. In 2008 the GB Cycling Team brought home 34 medals from the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, boosting the nation’s interest in cycling and focusing its hopes on London 2012. British Cycling governs all cycling disciplines from BMX, cycle speedway and cyclo-cross to mountain bike, track and road. It is funded by membership, UK Sport, Sport England and British Sky Broadcasting.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded US $34.4 billion (£18.5 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Kate Watcham, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 383550 Mob: + 44 (0) 7793 420731
kate.watcham@baesystems.com
Kristina Crowe, Biss Lancaster
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7257 9821 Mob: +44 (0)7841 279859
kristina.crowe@bisslancaster.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
