Japan’s track cycling team is gearing up for the Paris Olympics with a new secret weapon – high-end bicycles that come with a hefty price tag. These bicycles, costing a whopping 19.85 million yen ($135,000), are expected to give the Japanese riders a competitive edge on the track.
In the world of track cycling, where milliseconds can determine the difference between winning a medal or falling short, the technology behind the bicycles plays a crucial role. Koichi Nakano, a former world champion in track sprint and athlete development supervisor for the Japan Cycling Federation, emphasized the importance of having top-notch equipment to enhance performance at the highest level of competition.
Unlike the Tokyo Olympics, where the Japanese team used Bridgestone bicycles, this time they opted for a different approach by collaborating with TCM (Toray Carbon Magic), a company with expertise in building racing car components, drones, medical equipment, and other sports gear. TCM took on the challenge of handcrafting the carbon TCM-2 bicycle specifically for the Japanese track team, focusing on aerodynamics to minimize drag and maximize speed.
One of the bold decisions made by TCM was to place the drivetrain on the left side of the frame, a departure from the conventional right-side placement. This unconventional move was based on calculations that indicated better airflow efficiency in a counterclockwise track, ultimately proving to be beneficial for the riders. Mina Sato, a two-time keirin silver medalist at the world championships, praised the new bicycles for their speed and performance, expressing confidence in their ability to help her achieve gold in the sprint and keirin events at the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
The attention to detail and innovative design approach adopted by TCM has garnered positive feedback from the riders, signifying the potential impact of advanced technology on athletic performance. As the Japanese track cycling team prepares to showcase their skills on the velodrome in Paris, the incorporation of these cutting-edge bicycles reflects their commitment to excellence and pursuit of Olympic glory.