{"id":44347,"date":"2023-06-02T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/?p=44347"},"modified":"2023-06-01T16:31:19","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T14:31:19","slug":"artificial-intelligence-in-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/artificial-intelligence-in-cycling\/","title":{"rendered":"Artificial intelligence in cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months, with its application in various fields taking center stage. When it comes to sports, professional cycling stands out as the discipline that embraces AI the most. And the reason behind it is clear: AI thrives on data, and professional cyclists generate an abundance of it. They&#8217;re like data factories on wheels, supplying the perfect fuel for AI&#8217;s functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog post, we&#8217;ll explore how AI is changing cycling, from professional teams to bike design, bike sharing apps, and urban safety for cyclists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Professional cycling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A few weeks ago, team Jumbo-Visma made headlines by announcing the contract renewal of Jonas Vingegaard, the winner of Tour 2022, extending it until 2027. The news included the following video:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A little boy can dream. Because dreams are forever. \ud83c\udf1f<br><br>What a touch of AI can do. \ud83e\udd79<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Jonas2027?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#Jonas2027<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/rideyourdreams?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#rideyourdreams<\/a> \ud83d\udcad <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/620MJXa1Wa\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/620MJXa1Wa<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JumboVismaRoad\/status\/1648242844946006016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">April 18, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The boy in this video, speaking with a North American accent, is AI generated, which left <a href=\"https:\/\/ekstrabladet.dk\/sport\/cykling\/vingegaard-morer-sig-over-video-hvad-er-det-for-noget\/9727273\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Vingegaard quite puzzled upon seeing it<\/a>. Clearly, this hasn\u2019t been the Dutch team\u2019s best use of this new technology. They had better results when they asked AI for a cycling jersey design inspired by the colors, patterns, and styles of the world&#8217;s most renowned Dutch painters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Masterpiece Ride-Up Shop!\ud83d\ude0d Riding through the streets of Copenhagen. <br><br>Your chance to get the unique Masterpiece Tour de France jersey from Team Jumbo-Visma &amp; AGU with a discount: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/3rDeVkeN6D\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/t.co\/3rDeVkeN6D<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/masterpiece?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#masterpiece<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zFdkcZDDgP\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/zFdkcZDDgP<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JumboVismaRoad\/status\/1542154964977475591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">June 29, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, training and nutrition planning is where AI is having, without a doubt, the biggest influence in terms of performance and goal achievement for professional teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Visma optimises calorie prediction for TJV through AI\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GLHieLHyWf0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Everything personal trainers and nutritionists have been doing based on experience, their own judgement and data, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingweekly.com\/news\/could-ai-have-given-jonas-vingegaard-the-edge-in-last-years-tour-de-france?utm_term=00AC530D-1B96-48AE-8B42-D9F330193309&amp;utm_campaign=A8C132A5-BD9C-4737-AC90-016639AFEA3E&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=E5A8281D-CCA0-4F09-954D-8808FB8BCF1B&amp;utm_source=SmartBrief\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">is now done using algorithms and artificial intelligence<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2304.03778\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">AI used by Jumbo-Visma<\/a> analyzes all the data from the cyclists, as well as the type of route and the weather conditions, to predict the energy needs of each rider for each race. It\u2019s a \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/info.vismaconnect.nl\/blog\/nutrition-is-a-numbers-game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">number\u2019s game<\/a>\u2019 that happens in a very short time frame and yields impressive results, considering we&#8217;re talking about the best team in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other teams among the professional realm that have used or are using artificial intelligence are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gulftoday.ae\/sport\/2021\/01\/11\/g42-joins-uae-team-emirates-sponsorship-roster\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">UAE<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogthinkbig.com\/peoplefirst\/big-data-en-el-ciclismo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Movistar<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/features\/welcome-to-the-future-the-innovation-and-new-tech-driving-israel-start-up-nation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Israel Premier Tech<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/exclusive-ntt-pro-cycling-use-big-data-ai-machine-learning-to-create-smarter-pro-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">NTT Pro Cycling<\/a> and, of course, <a href=\"https:\/\/folk.idi.ntnu.no\/kerstinb\/ailab\/2020\/pitches\/11.%20AI%20based%20prediction%20model_NTNU.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ineos Grenadiers<\/a> who created and popularized the concept \u2018marginal gains\u2019, studying and analyzing each and every single detail to lead the Tour de France all along the past decade with 7 wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While we may not have specific, confirmed information about it, it&#8217;s highly likely that many other teams are using AI, to varying degrees, to analyze data related to their cyclists, bikes, apparel, and other equipment. Otherwise, they run the risk of lagging behind the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Designing bikes and components<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Artificial intelligence helps design an ultra-aerodynamic bike\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9u6EyLiytJk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>When it comes to AI designing bikes, news often showcases unique or special models, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.engineering.com\/story\/can-a-generatively-designed-bike-please-get-better\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the concept bike presented by Decathlon in 2021<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/actu.epfl.ch\/news\/bike-designed-with-artificial-intelligence-break-5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the aero bike that broke two speed records<\/a>. These models are proof of the huge development and solutions given by the use of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44348\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image.png 1170w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-640x560.png 640w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-768x672.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Brands and engineers are the ones that feed artificial intelligence on all data gathered on their bikes and materials: weaknesses, areas subjected to a lot of stress, carbon types, etc. AI takes all this data, processes it to then analyze it and, in a significantly less amount of time than usual, can recreate a wide range of new designs following the requirements and guidelines given by manufacturers. These are designs that don\u2019t necessarily have to be created in physical form, as they can be tested virtually, saving both material and time. If the results are positive and meet the manufacturers\u2019 expectations, then the design is tested once more, but this time in a real, physical setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"SRAM: Generative Design Provides New Competitive Edge for Cycling Innovation\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Sh8hKC7mMAI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>A decrease in production costs is the result not only of using less materials and saving time, but also of avoiding or replacing expensive equipment such as wind tunnels. Most aero and time trial bikes nowadays have been virtually tested first, before becoming a real-life prototype.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a way, artificial intelligence brings &#8220;objectivity&#8221; and predictability to manufacturers who, marketing aside, can safely claim that their bikes are really that agile, sturdy or aerodynamic, among other things. And they can do it because they have tested this over and over again. Then, there\u2019s each and everyone\u2019s subjective perception of their own experience with the bike &#8211; the only real evaluation, coming from end users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Safety and urban cycling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Artificial intelligence is being put to use in cities, bikes and bike sharing apps, in order to improve safety as well as to provide better efficiency when it comes to moving around. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ecf.com\/news-and-events\/news\/cycle-ai-utilizing-artificial-intelligence-ensure-safer-cycling-cities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">AI can be used to study road and bike trail data<\/a>, such as traffic flow, high-risk areas, optimal routes, accidents and traffic lights. That way, patterns of use and problematic areas can be identified, enabling better planning for infrastructure improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Artificial intelligence can also be used to develop alarm systems, detecting high-risk situations for cyclists such as vehicles getting too close to them or dangerous turns. These systems can even facilitate <a href=\"https:\/\/cyclingmagazine.ca\/sections\/news\/trek-developing-technology-allow-bikes-communicate-cars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">communication between bikes and cars<\/a>, such as sound or visual alarms, so that both the cyclist and the driver are alert enough to take necessary precautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bikebiz.com\/expanding-bike-share-with-artificial-intelligence\/amp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">It can also be a great tool for companies or public institutions that use bike sharing systems, to analyze where, when, how and who is using the bikes<\/a>. Thanks to the combination of this data with other elements, such as weather conditions and calendars, artificial intelligence can be of much help in system optimization, so as to provide the best possible service at all times. Plus, operators themselves can save money by implementing a maintenance system for the bikes with periodic upgrades or replacements, based on breakdown data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, artificial intelligence is a useful tool for manufacturers, designers, engineers, public institutions and companies, as well as professional cycling teams. One might think that it has also contributed to losing the spark we had decades ago, to stop relying on one\u2019s gut. Or that data analysis has led to cyclists becoming human machines, that there are no cyclists following their own instincts anymore. However, the human factor is still present in the greatest champions of today, like Pogacar, Van der Poel or Wout Van Aert. The unpredictability of a cycling competition will never fade, and it\u2019s still giving us precious moments to remember.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months, with its application in various fields taking center stage. When it comes to sports, professional cycling stands out as the discipline that embraces AI the most. And the reason behind it is clear: AI thrives on data, and professional cyclists generate an abundance&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/artificial-intelligence-in-cycling\/\" class=\"button button-secondary\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Artificial intelligence in cycling<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44376,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[189,150,242],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cycling","category-road-cycling","category-urban-cycling"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44347","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44347"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44347\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44347"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44347"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44347"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}