The UK based online training and racing website, Turbo Training, is looking to recruit new users to help test their new beta platform.
The new program is being developed in conjunction with a simple floor trainer, which allows users to integrate their performance data, such as power, heart rate, cadence ect.. into a realtime workout.
The system was first design by Aaron Bird and Rob Barrett back in 2008, who previously deigned a stand alone interval training application in 2007.
“Today we are launching a beta test program for our map-based racing application,” says Aaron. “This allows you to race on any route you choose to plot – create a lap or Richmond Park or an ascent of Box Hill. Battle it out with four other riders to be the first to the finish line.”
Users can race via any web browser after downloading a small 2Mb app called Power+. From there, the app listens for any ANT+ speed, power or cadence data and sends it to the www.turbotraining.co.uk servers.
“This data is then displayed via the web browser in a similar fashion to what you would see on a Garmin head unit,” says Bird.
In a virtual race, each user has an avatar on the map which is controlled by their own data. All riders can see the performance data of everyone in the race.
In addition, users can race on a pre-designed course or plot their own route. Users can also choose from pre-programmed workouts and training plans or design ones for their own.
“The key advantage of group training and virtual racing is motivation, and that’s what turns turbo training into a sport and not a chore,” says Bird.
Also, the system allows users to race or train by power even if they don’t have a power meter on their bike. How? It uses what the designers call ‘Proxy Power’.
“Proxy Power relies on knowing the make/model of turbo trainer that a particular user is using,” says Aaron. “This can be selected in their profile. We have mapped the polynomial equation for a number of turbo trainers, so for a given speed we know the approximate power through manufacturer power: speed data, or through data we have collected ourselves.
A full list of trainers that have been mapped so far can be found here. http://www.turbotraining.co.uk/devices/index
“We currently offer a monthly subscription whereby users can choose to use our Power+ software,” says Aaron. “This is in production and runs on a user’s computer. It’s currently £5 a month which gives a user access to workouts and training plans as well as the interactive data. We also offer an option for those user who don’t have any ANT+ equipment. This is free to try.
“The new features we are currently beta testing use a different architecture. Everything runs through a web browser which is why users can workout solo or in a group – either group turbo sessions or racing.”
Overview
Who we are
Passionate about cycling and helping others to achieve their cycling goals is our motto. We’re here to help. Everything we do has the athlete in mind.
Turbotraining.co.uk has been running since 2006 when it started life as a simple place to help people find and follow turbotraining workouts. Things have progressed alot in this time. The site now utilises the latest Ant+ technology to bring you interactive power based workouts fully customised to each rider.
What we offer
Interactive workouts, structured training plans and performance charts are just a few of the things we have to offer. If you are looking to bring structure and enjoyment to your indoor cycle training you’re in the right place!
Stay motivated and consistent with our power based workouts. Even if you don’t have a power meter, our proxy power model will do the maths to calculate your power based on the power:speed relationship of your turbo trainer. Make every session count, earn points and track your improvements on our easy to read performance charts.
We love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
– See more at: http://www.turbotraining.co.uk/who-we-are#sthash.AuhMhDiC.dpuf
You must be logged in to post a comment.
