08 Sep 2009 | Ref. 153/2009
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Military Precision Keeps GB Cyclists On Track For Success
London , United Kingdom: 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."
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.
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 £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information contact:
Kristina Crowe, Biss Lancaster
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7257 9821 Mob: +44 (0)7841 279859
kristina.crowe@bisslancaster.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.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
New Technolgies Through Partnerships
