Britain’s dominance of the indoor cycling continued today with gold medal winning performances in the men and women’s sprints. Victoria Pendleton dominated her final against Australia’s Anne Meares winning both races with ease. Chris Hoy then won his third gold in Beijing, defeating British team-mate Jason Kenny.

As I’ve mentioned these remarkable performances in the velodrome have been down to improved investing in the top coaches, scientists and equipment. Of course the cyclists themselves must take a great deal of credit, but I’m sure they’ll agree that these improvements in the training structure has inspired them and enabled them to win seven of the ten track golds. Consequently the cycling team has inspired Britain’s other sets of athletes, like the track and field and swimmers, to alter their training approach. 2012 could for Britain what Sydney did for Australia, Athens for Greece and now Beijing for China. Record medal hauls!

Here’s some of the research on aerodynamics that may have helped the cyclists, starting with basic positions for time-trial bikes: A flat torso, possibly with a seat slightly forward to allow the knees to come up without hitting the abdomen/lower rib cage; Aero bars allowing forearms 15-20cm apart, in a horizontal or slightly downward angle, upper arm at 50-80 degrees; Knees coming close to the crossbar of the frame and just behind or slightly inside the elbow/triceps area of the upper arm; A head position allowing forward vision with any gaps behind the head filled with an aerodynamic helmet; A tight skinsuit, ideally with full-length arms and shoes covered by a tight overshoe.

Improve your cycling and train to be the best with this cycling training programme