Ivan Sidorovich: The Aerodynamicist behind the Cervelo P5

At Kona in October we had an opportunity to catch up with one of the key team members who was intimately involved in the creation of the Cervelo P5. Ivan Sidorovich came to Canada from Argentina as a 19 year old with a passion for aerodynamics. He completed a university degree in Canada and upon graduating started working for Chrysler.

Sidorovich decided to put his resume together when the GFC hit and was fortunate to be picked up by Cervelo. Not just a tech head, Sidorovich came from a swimming background and has plans to compete in his first triathlon in 2013. Spending time at Kona reinforced his decision to tick the triathlon box.

Coming to Cervelo during the S5 project Ivan had some input in to that project before taking on the P5 project. This was a dream come true for him. “My first job was CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) which is where we extensively use the computer to get all the aerodynamics right before we build a prototype and head to the wind tunnel for testing.”

The brief for the project was to make the bike fast, simple to use and eliminate previous mistakes. “My ideas combined with the designers brought us what is one of the most potent looking weapons in the triathlon arsenal.”

We asked Ivan if they had been given a brief on what the bike should possibly look like. “The project was totally driven by aerodynamics. In my eyes anything that is as aerodynamically perfect as possible is going to look very good!” And granted, that is what has happened. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder but let’s face it, the P5 is undoubtedly the most striking time trial bike currently on the market.

Wind tunnel testing has the P5 is six to 11 watts faster than other comparable bikes.

Once the CFD was completed the team knew what the bike was going to look like. There next job was to bring all the components together. “We worked with Magura to develop a low-maintenance exclusive hydraulic brake system which is aerodynamically superior and lighter than mechanical brakes.”

Likewise with the 3T Adura aerobar system the Cervelo team were integral in the design. The new bars take in to account everything from running all cables internally and continuing to the riders hydration needs. “We did a lot of work to make sure the aerobars fitted as many riders as possible. The additional spacers allow for easy height adjustment.”

Why buy the P5? “We made sure the P5 was the fastest bike, better than the P4. It wasn’t just the frame. We co developed the brakes and aerobar. We eliminated any complicated components and aspects that would frustrate an owner. The Cervelo P5 is the most advanced, aerodynamic bike available and with the benefit of hindsight we have also made it one of the easiest to own and use.”

Sidorovich was feeling energised about being in Kona. “It was great being able to meet so many athletes that ride our bikes and hear their bike stories. This is something I don’t normally get to do. Hearing their personal experiences with our bikes really helps me understand how they use our bikes and it gives us some great ideas for future development.”