Sep 12, 2024
The America's Cup, the oldest and most prestigious sailing competition in the world, has seen multiple advancements in its methods and technologies over the years. One of the most disruptive developments has been the integration of cyclors, a term that describes specialized cyclists whose function is to provide mechanical power for the operation of the high-tech boats competing in this regatta.
They are elite athletes, mainly from disciplines such as cycling, rowing, and triathlon, who have been incorporated into the design of the AC75, the boats used in the America's Cup. Their task is to generate hydraulic power by pedaling on stationary bikes specially adapted on board the boat. This energy is channeled to power critical systems such as sail control and hydrofoils, which are essential for yachts to reach speeds of over 100 km/h using only wind as an energy source.
The switch from traditional "grinders", who used their arms to generate power, to cyclors, who use their legs, is due to a considerable increase in efficiency. Human legs have the capacity to produce much more power than arms, providing a decisive competitive advantage in a race where every fraction of a second counts.
The technology applied to the boats in the America’s Cup has reached a level where every aspect of the design is optimized to the maximum. The AC75 are highly advanced vessels, designed not only to sail at great speed but also to "fly" over the water using hydrofoils. For this to be possible, the boats require a massive amount of hydraulic power to adjust the sails and foils in real-time.
The use of cyclors addresses this need, leveraging the capacity of cyclists to continuously generate more than 500 watts of power for long periods. This energy is stored in accumulators and used to move hydraulic elements, improving the boat's overall performance.
SRAM, a leading cycling components company, has played a key role in adapting cycling technology for use in these boats. SRAM’s contributions include optimized transmission systems to improve the efficiency of converting the power produced by the cyclors, ensuring that as much energy as possible reaches the hydraulic systems.
The role of a cyclor not only requires strength but also endurance and recovery capacity. Athletes selected for these positions undergo a rigorous evaluation process that includes power tests, where their ability to generate high watts over specific intervals is measured.
According to Ben Day, performance coach for the American Magic team, cyclors must be able to generate more than 1000 watts during maximum efforts of 30 seconds, as well as maintain 420 watts during prolonged efforts of 20 minutes.
Additionally, their training includes strength and conditioning programs focused not only on performance improvement but also on injury prevention. Since competitors must maintain maximum effort repeatedly throughout the race, the ability to avoid fatigue and recover quickly between maneuvers is a decisive factor.
One of the main challenges cyclors face is the need to maintain consistent performance under maximum physical demand. Unlike other sports where there is time for recovery, America’s Cup races can last up to 25 minutes, during which these athletes must continuously generate power to ensure optimal control of the boat.
The ability to endure pain is a crucial trait for these athletes. Many cyclors come from endurance sports such as cycling, rowing, or triathlon, where physical pain is a routine component of their training. This mental and physical ability to keep going despite extreme discomfort is what sets cyclors apart from other modalities.
The introduction of cyclors has revolutionized how teams compete in the America’s Cup. This approach, which combines precision engineering with maximum human performance, has allowed boats to achieve unprecedented speeds and maneuverability.
As new editions of the America’s Cup are developed, it is expected that technology and training methods will continue to evolve, opening the door to future advancements in nautical performance.
Teams like American Magic and Luna Rossa have already started implementing specific development programs for cyclors, seeking athletes who not only have the physical capacity to generate large amounts of power but can also adapt to the technical demands of the competition.
The introduction of cyclors in the America's Cup has revolutionized boat performance, maximizing efficiency through the use of human power. These specialized athletes, capable of generating massive amounts of energy under extreme conditions, have optimized boat control and allowed for new speed records. The combination of cutting-edge technology and physical effort ensures that these athletes will play a key role in the future of the competition, marking a turning point in high-performance sailing.