America's Cup: How new rules could see lead to more cross-code partnerships in America's Cup arena

The use of cyclors was a key part of Team New Zealand's successful campaign in Bermuda in 2017. Photo / Photosport

Ineos Britannia are making the most of the resources available.

Having already confirmed their partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, chief technical officer James Allison said they would be looking into the cycling world for help as well, with cyclors again allowed onboard for the America's Cup.

In a bid to lower the overall weight of the AC75 foiling monohulls for the next America's Cup cycle, one of the steps taken has been to lower the number of crew members on board from 11 to eight. However, with the need to still produce hydraulic power, the class rule allows for grinders to produce this power with either their arms or legs, opening the door for cyclors to replace the grinding pedestals should a team choose to do so.

"That may well be an opportunity for our team specifically, because we are linked to the Ineos Grenadiers – the cycling team – so we'll be going there for some hints and tips on how to condition our athletes and who knows, maybe some athletes too," Allison said.

"Every team will have to assess whether they wish to go traditionally for generating that power, or do it with a bicycle-style pump...it's certainly going to be an interesting technical avenue."

The path set to be taken by the British syndicate in their preparations for their next challenge could be one other hopeful teams look to follow as well.

Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing are believed to be in discussions with a potential America's Cup contender about working together for the upcoming cycle, while challengers such as Luna Rossa could look to their Olympic heroes on the cycling track should they choose to sail with cyclors.

It's a formula that has worked for Team New Zealand, with Simon van Velthooven a key part of their successful campaign in Bermuda in 2017. After picking up a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games on the velodrome in the keirin, he received an invitation to work with Team New Zealand in 2016 as they explored putting bikes on boats.

He eventually earned himself a place in the team as one of the cyclors, with his first sailing race being in the America's Cup.

With the class rule and Protocol for the next America's Cup now public and providing the challengers with a starting point for their campaigns, how to address the loss of man power onboard is just one of several problems design teams and engineers will be working on in their bids to dethrone Team New Zealand in 2024.

"In any sporting competition, the starting point for everything is the rule book and in something as technologically complex as the America's Cup, then it's even more crucial," Allison said.

"That big sheath of documents has within it a whole host of opportunity and jeopardy, and we have to pick our way through that document to find where all the landmines are and look for all the prizes. Hopefully we work well on that, then we have half a chance of a competitive vehicle when it comes to racing time.

"The challenge is broad and difficult, which I guess is what all engineers seek."