British Cycling has revealed the new bike the Great Britain track team will ride at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The incredible looking bike was designed by Hope Technology and Lotus Engineering along with input from British engineering company Renishaw.
The new British Cycling Lotus/Hope bike
(Image credit: JAMES CHEADLE)
Governing body British Cycling describes the bike as "cutting edge" and said it has had extensive testing and production around the UK to make it as lightweight and aerodynamic as possible. The collaboration with Lotus is also a nod to Chris Boardman's 1992 Barcelona Olympics bike, the Lotus Type 108, which he rode to gold medal victory.
Rear view of the new track bike
(Image credit: JAMES CHEADLE)
Current British riders have already had the chance to test and feedback on the bike and will use it for the first time in competition this week at the Track World Cup in Minsk, Belarus (Nov 1 - Nov 3). They will then use it on home soil for the first time at the next round of the World Cup in Glasgow (Nov 8 - Nov 10) .
Hope on the down tube, Lotus on the fork
(Image credit: JAMES CHEADLE)
“It’s a dream team of engineering prowess," said Tony Purnell, head of technology for the GB cycling team. "Hope Technology bring high quality manufacturing standards and Lotus Engineering is renowned for lightweight design and outstanding aerodynamic efficiency. Both supported and advised by additive manufacturing experts Renishaw, who have ensured that Lotus and Hope have access to the most modern and fastest turnaround process from design to usable pieces.
“Following a terrific effort from our sponsors to bring this bike into reality, we have the task of evaluating the bike together with the English Institute of Sport to ensure it’s going to have the right performance in Minsk and Glasgow, and of course in Tokyo, and providing feedback to Hope and Lotus engineering teams.”
The unusual seatstays and fork at the most striking part of the new bike
(Image credit: JAMES CHEADLE)
Little technological detail was given about the bike on its reveal, but what is most noticeable is the uniquely constructed seatstays and fork. Both have slim aero looking tubing, with the seatstays curving wide up to the top of the seat tube. The fork also flares very widely and is affixed to the head tube and the stem of the aero cockpit, which features the Lotus logo.
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The pursuit track bike ridden on the Manchester velodrome
(Image credit: JAMES CHEADLE)
It's not the first time British Cycling has pushed for innovative designs for its Olympic track bikes, with riders famously using secretly constructed unmarked, black bikes specifically designed for them at the home games in London 2012. The Great Britain team has been using Cervélo bikes since the 2016 Olympics in Rio but now switches to the Lotus/Hope bike in the build-up to next July in Japan.
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Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
