Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Euskaltel - Euskadi) (Image credit: Susanne Goetze)
The Basque team of Euskaltel-Euskadi has sent two of its riders to the wind tunnel in San Diego, California, with the goal of improving their positions on their bikes and analyzing sponsors' products. It's the second time some of the team's riders are visiting the tunnel.
During a three-day period this week, the aerodynamic positions of Samuel Sánchez and Mikel Astarloza are being tested while riding on Orbea Ordus. The wind tunnel tests will be complemented by exercise tests in the Anoeta velodrome.
The testing is part of a joint AIZE project by Orbea and the team. "Aize" means "air" in Basque, and in the project's name it is an acronym standing for "Aerodynamic Investigation Zone for Euskaltel-Euskadi by Orbea". Orbea intends to use the test results for developing new models of bicycles.
Sánchez was among the riders the team sent last year for similar testing. He was there with Igor Antón, and Haimar Zubeldia. It was that round of testing that resulted in the Orbea Ordu time trial bike.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
