British cyclists of all levels will soon be able to visit a cycling-specific wind tunnel and tweak their position, without spending thousands of pounds on the privilege. Boardman Bikes has received planning approval for its new Performance Centre in Worcestershire, which will open its doors in winter 2017.
- Boardman Bikes reviews and news
- Best aero road bikes: 13 of our top picks
- Best aero road helmets: tunnel- and road-tested
The facility will be based at The Valley retail park near Evesham, right on the edge of the Cotswolds, and will include Boardman’s new head office, a cycling-specific wind tunnel, physiology testing suite and activity area, as well as a concept store with café.
Construction of the 18,000sqft facility will start in spring, and it’s expected to become a destination for cyclists from right across the country, and even internationally. Boardman says that it expects to be its “own biggest customer” for the wind tunnel from an R&D perspective, but will also give people the opportunity for repeat testing at an “affordable” rate.
“This project has been a dream of mine for more than six years and I’m delighted the finishing line is now in sight,” said founder Chris Boardman. “The possibilities for what The Centre can deliver are truly amazing; in fact I don’t think it’s overly dramatic to say it will be revolutionary.”
No stranger to wind tunnels himself, Chris Boardman MBE is one of the UK's most decorated cyclists, having won Olympic gold medals for the individual pursuit, and broken the Hour record, among other achievements. Known as 'The Professor', he was a founding member of British Cycling's 'Secret Squirrel Club' R&D team, and is renowned for his technical knowledge of the sport.
BikeRadar is planning to cover in more detail next year what Boardman's Performance Centre will offer – watch this space for more info.