Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub – United Kingdom
Introduction
Aerodynamics is one of the most decisive factors in long-course triathlon performance. Even small reductions in drag can translate to significant time savings over the 180 km bike leg of an IRONMAN race, allowing athletes to hold higher speeds at lower power outputs and preserve crucial energy for the run.
To validate and quantify the aerodynamic efficiency of the Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit, we conducted a dedicated 8-hour wind tunnel session at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub in the United Kingdom. This world-class facility is renowned for its precision cycling analysis and advanced measurement systems, enabling us to simulate real-world triathlon conditions with exceptional accuracy.
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of the Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuitagainst four of the leading competitor suits in the high-performance triathlon market. Testing was designed to reflect the exact conditions faced by athletes during long-distance racing and to identify areas where measurable performance gains can be achieved.
Testing Protocol
To ensure scientific rigor and real-world relevance, the testing protocol included the following parameters:
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Wind Speed: Constant 45 km/h to simulate typical IRONMAN bike-leg racing speeds.
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Yaw Angles: 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° to replicate a full spectrum of crosswind scenarios encountered during outdoor racing.
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Athlete Pool: Six athletes of varying heights, weights, and body morphologies to account for the impact of rider shape and position on aerodynamic drag.
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Comparisons: The Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit was directly tested against four leading competitor suits commonly used in elite and age-group triathlon racing.
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Consistency Check: Two experienced cyclists rode every suit to establish baseline comparative data and minimize individual rider variability.
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Accessories: Testing included the use of Mauna Apparel Aero Calf Sleeves, given their widespread adoption in triathlon and their potential to deliver additional marginal gains.
Methodology
The Silverstone Windtunnel offers a controlled environment where wind speed, direction, and rider position can be precisely replicated and measured. Riders were positioned in an optimized triathlon aero position for each test run, and drag force was measured across all four yaw angles. Each suit was tested multiple times per athlete to ensure repeatability and statistical reliability.
This approach allowed us to isolate the aerodynamic effects of the trisuit itself, independent of variations in rider effort or environmental conditions, ensuring that watt savings and drag reductions could be confidently attributed to suit design.
Results Overview
Across all athletes and yaw angles, the Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit consistently delivered lower drag coefficients than every competitor suit tested. The most significant improvements were recorded at 5° and 10° yaw angles—conditions most frequently encountered during long-course triathlon bike legs where moderate crosswinds dominate.
Key Findings
1. Average Drag Reduction
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The Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit demonstrated measurable drag reductions at every tested yaw angle.
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Gains were most pronounced at 5°–10°, where athletes spend the majority of race time, translating to real-world competitive advantages.
2. Estimated Watt Savings
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Depending on athlete body type and wind angle, the V.21 Trisuit delivered 6–14 watts of power savings compared to leading competitors.
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Over a 180 km IRONMAN bike leg, this wattage reduction equates to 3–6 minutes of time savings—a decisive margin in high-stakes racing.
3. Calf Sleeve Impact
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Properly fitted Mauna Apparel Aero Calf Sleeves provided an additional aerodynamic benefit, creating small but meaningful watt savings.
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The combination of the V.21 Trisuit and optimized calf sleeves produced the greatest overall performance advantage.
Real-World Implications
In long-distance triathlon, where World Championship qualifications, podium finishes, and personal bests can be decided by seconds, a 3–6 minute gain is a game-changing advantage.
Athletes wearing the Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit can:
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Ride faster for the same power output, improving average bike speed.
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Maintain the same speed with lower effort, preserving energy for the run.
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Reduce physiological strain by minimizing the power required to overcome drag, delaying fatigue and enhancing overall race execution.
These marginal gains are particularly valuable during windy races, hilly courses, and technical bike legs where aerodynamics play a critical role in overall performance.
Engineering Insights
The superior aerodynamic performance of the Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit can be attributed to a combination of advanced fabric technologies, precision panel placement, and seam optimization. Every detail—down to the placement of heat-bonded finishes and the selection of low-friction fabrics—was informed by aerodynamic modeling and validated through real-world feedback from elite triathletes.
The testing also provided valuable data to guide future iterations of Mauna Apparel’s high-performance racewear. By understanding how micro-adjustments in fabric texture, compression, and seam orientation affect airflow, Mauna Apparel continues to refine the balance between speed, comfort, and durability.
Conclusion
The Silverstone Windtunnel testing confirms what our professional and age-group athletes experience on race day: the Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit is engineered for uncompromising speed. Across all tested athletes and conditions, the V.21 outperformed four of the industry’s top competitors, delivering measurable, repeatable aerodynamic advantages.
These results not only validate the V.21 Trisuit as a best-in-class choice for long-course triathlon racing, but also reinforce Mauna Apparel’s commitment to relentless innovation. With every iteration, we push the boundaries of performance, ensuring that athletes wearing Mauna Apparel can approach every start line with a scientifically proven edge.
Whether the goal is a personal best, a World Championship qualification, or a spot on the podium, the Mauna Apparel V.21 Trisuit provides the speed, efficiency, and confidence to perform at the highest level.