When Michael Rogers and Cadel Evans hit the track in Beijing, they will be more prepared than ever with an edge over their cycling competitors.

Thanks to the efforts of innovative AIS sports scientists they have been preparing on a high tech simulation of the Beijing Olympic course.

At the ‘Good Luck Beijing’ Test Event in 2007, Australia was the only country with the fore sight to fit cyclists with instrumentation to collect footage and detailed data profiling the course prior to the race.

Back in the lab, the data was integrated with other technologies including SRM (measures time, power, speed, distance & cadence), GPS (used to display the course map, elevation and course profile), a heart rate monitor, a Veletron cycling ergometer, Cycleway computer software and a heat tent to replicate Beijing weather conditions.

This technology provided Australia’s cyclists with the opportunity to ride a simulated Beijing course, with true physical and visual sensations. They felt what it’s like to power up the killer hills in 35oC heat and 60% humidity, all whilst in the controlled conditions of the laboratory where scientists can monitor multiple performance variables and provide real time feedback for the athletes.

So when the road race and individual time trial races commence on Saturday, Australia’s cyclists will be confident in the knowledge that they have the edge to perform their best.

Evans is now one of the favourites to win gold in the time trial and Rogers is favoured to be amongst the medals. It would be a medal for the athlete, for Australia and for the dedicated scientists working behind the scenes.