Australian triathlete, Annabel Luxford, cycling with Turbine.
Turbine, an Australian innovation in respiratory aid, contributed to the new World Human Powered Speed Record made by Aerovelo’s Eta and Linda Villumsen.
The speed record was broken three times in a row by Aerovelo Inc.’s Eta enclosed bike at a monumental 86.65mph/139.45kph, recorded in mid-September 2015. Eta was designed to beat the human-powered record, which stood at 83.1mph/133.8kph.
On September 17, the record run was marked at 85.71mph/137.94kph. The record was broken again on September 18, at 86.5mph/139.21kph, and for the third time September 19, at 86.65mph/139.45kph.
Australian cyclist, Calvin Watson, member of the team Trek Factory Racing, sports Turbine.
Three days later, Linda Villumsen took the women’s world time trial championships, using a Turbine sports breathing device designed and developed by Rhinomed Ltd, the Melbourne based technology firm focused on nasal, respiratory and breathing management technologies. The Turbine delivers an average increase of 38 percent more air through the nasal passages, boosting oxygen intake to aid performance.
“These are two massive outcomes in a matter of days, and it is by no mistake that the world’s elite athletes are viewing the Turbine as an essential part of an athlete’s kit,” said Rhinomed CEO Michael Johnson.
Todd Reichert, who powered the Eta for the speed record said, “The turbine definitely made a big difference in the dry, high-altitude climate in Nevada, where easy breathing through the nose is essential, especially inside the enclosed shell of Eta.”
Turbine respiratory tool
While Linda Villumsen, in her 10th attempt at the rainbow jersey for the time trial, said, “I love the Turbine…(my mechanic) provided me with the Turbine for the first time in Colorado this year, and it is just amazing how much better I breathe and feel during hard efforts…I don’t think I am ever again doing a TT or a TTT without the Turbine.” Her win was clocked at 40:29.87 at the 2015 UCI Road World Championships.
What distinguishes the Turbine from other nasal products used by cyclists is the Turbine sits in the nose to ensure more air goes through the nasal passages. By stenting the nose, athletes increase the amount of air going in and also, the amount of exhaust air (CO2) expelled.
This slight difference defines the purpose for the Turbine’s creation – to seek that small yet marginal gain that will push athletes faster, harder and farther. “Seeing world records being broken is inspiring,” said Johnson. “In the last few months, we have seen Chris Froome win the 2015 Tour de France and U.S. Track star and Turbine customer Shannon Rowbury take Mary Decker’s 31 year 1500m record wearing the Turbine.”
