London Olympics bronze medallist Simon Van Velthooven has been training with Team New Zealand's for this year's America's Cup regatta as the syndicate turned to pedal power for their challenge.
Simon van Velthooven of New Zealand wins silver in the Mens 1000m Time Trial. Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Photo: Photosport
The team, who officially launch their new AC50 boat on today ahead of the regatta that starts in May, were photographed on Tuesday with their grinders seated and powering the hydraulics needed to control the wingsail with their legs.
Van Velthooven, who won bronze in the kierin at the London Games but missed selection for last year's Rio Olympics, had been involved in helping with the design of the system.
A Cycling New Zealand spokesman confirmed that Van Velthooven had been granted a leave of absence from their sport's high performance programme but was unsure as to what he was doing.
Former Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker, who is leading Japan's challenge for the America's Cup, however, was not overly impressed with the innovation, having also considered switching to pedal power but ruled it out.
The regatta for the challenging syndicates -- from Britain, Sweden, Japan, France and New Zealand -- starts in Bermuda on May 26 with the America's Cup beginning on June 17 between the winner of the qualifying regatta and holders Oracle Team USA.
-Reuters
