EMMA ORTIZ, A CYCLIST, CARRIES OUT A BIOMECHANICAL STUDY AT THE INSTITUT CATALÀ DEL PEU.

The cyclist Emma Ortiz, champion of Catalonia  in 2022, was treated by Fitmetric,  the Sporting Biomechanical Department of the Institut Català del Peu, for a  cycling biomechanical analysis. The cyclist Emma Ortiz was proclaimed champion of Catalonia in 2022 and was chosen by the Catalan Cycling Federation in order to receive a Fitmetric research grant by the Institut Català del Peu. The Fitmetric research grants – by the Institut Català del Peu-, are a result of a collaboration agreement which was signed at the beginning of 2022 in order to give support to the technical team of the federation in the biomechanical analysis, the performance improvement and the prevention of lesions. Emma’s list of achievements have marked a clear improvement from her commencements, going through great Spanish teams. In 2019 she competed in the Catema (the present Massi-Tactic Academy), in 2020 she made the jump to continental with the Sopela Basque Team, where she was during the years 2020 and 2021, in 2022 she went through the French Team Group Abadie, where she nowadays continues. In 2022 she marked one of her best years, where she became champion of Catalonia, scoring a good position in the championship of Spain in the 15^th place. In 2023 she has taken part in the Itzulia world tour. The exploration consisted of a complete biomechanical analysis, including the podiatry and functional assessment previous to the position. It is very important the podiatry assessment in order to rule out biomechanical problems derived from foot, because the biomechanics of foot will be a very important determining factor for the positioning of coves and the position on the saddle. The functional assessment helps us to state if there are muscle shortenings, a lack of flexibility or some problems which will determine the comfort on the bicycle. The positioning is the placing or correct position of the body on the bike (saddle, handlebar, power, etc.), observing some body measurements which are scientifically checked for the performance efficiency and the prevention of lesions. The biomechanical analysis is fundamental for the cyclist. Sometimes, cyclists by ignorance or other factors, do not carry out this biomechanical analysis. Consequently, emerge problems arisen from a bad position or an inappropriate position, emphasizing the muscle overload, articular pains and difficulty to improve the performance. Therefore, we think that these research grants are not only a prize for the good results, but also to announce the importance of the biomechanical analysis, the work on synergies with the technical staff of the federation and the chance to put one’s bit in order to help the bright young hopes to continue making a difference. We hope Emma will be able to have a lot of success in cycling and that our contribution has helped her to improve her skills. We will continue to give support to the Catalan Cycling Federation with our effort and we are looking forward to helping the bright young hopes as much as we can.