Olympian to advise high-tech data firm
BUSINESS MAKES PERFORMANCE MONITORING KIT FOR ATHLETES
OLYMPIC triathlete Alistair Brownlee has taken a share in a high-tech firm that makes wearable tracking equipment which monitors athletes’ sporting performance.
The double Olympic gold medallist is also become an adviser to the Loughborough business, Incus Performance.
Incus has developed wearable sports tech which analyses and tracks data from triathletes and swimmers.
The hardware is worn in a small mesh pouch at the top of the spine and the information gathered can be sent to a phone or tablet app.
A spokesman for the firm said: “With his extensive knowledge of the sport, Alistair will be well positioned to provide knowledge for both new product features and business development aspects at Incus, helping to solidify the platform as the ultimate for endurance sports training.”
The Incus platform collects data including changes in efficiency, stroke or stride, and considers what adjustments are needed for anything from setting a 5km personal best to competing at national level.
Alistair said analysing progress was vital in unlocking potential.
He said: “I’m fascinated by how technology can be used to help improve athletic performance.
“Two of the most important factors in training are efficiency and training load management.
“Through technology we have the ability to collect so much data, but the important and interesting part is how we distil that data into useful insights.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with the Incus team to produce accurate and useful information that can add something to everyone’s training.
“Whether you’re a beginner wanting to track your fitness or an elite professional athlete there are novel and relevant insights for you.”
Chris Ruddock is lead engineer and managing director at Incus Performance, which is based in the Advanced Innovation Technology Centre on the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park.
He said “To be working closely with someone as experienced as Alistair, not only as a professional athlete, but as one who has successfully competed across both Olympic and ironman distances, is amazing.
“We’re all about bringing innovation and creativity to endurance sports.
“We’re proud to work with those who similarly push boundaries in sport.”