INFORMS, the world’s largest association for professionals and students in operations research, AI, analytics, and data science, has unveiled six finalists for the prestigious 2025 Franz Edelman Award, including USA Cycling as one of the finalists. For more than 40 years, the award, often referred to as 'The Nobel Prize' of operations research and advanced analytics, has celebrated groundbreaking research and innovations that transform industries, improve lives, and shape a smarter, more sustainable future. This year’s finalists have made significant strides in revolutionizing industries, saving lives, reducing costs, and solving complex problems.
USA Cycling is honored to be among the finalists for the 2025 Edelman Award for its groundbreaking Project 4:05, a data-driven initiative that revolutionized the Women's Team Pursuit strategy for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The project had one objective: winning Olympic gold in the Women’s Team Pursuit. The project focused on key factors such as rider power, aerodynamics, and team coordination to create the perfect race plan, aiming for a time under 4 minutes and 5 seconds.
By analyzing performance data and leveraging advanced technology, USA Cycling’s Sports Performance staff identified the best riders and race strategies. This approach propelled the Team Pursuit squad from a sixth-place finish at the 2023 World Championships, where they clocked a time of 4:12, to Olympic gold just one year later with a winning time of 4:04.36. This achievement demonstrates how data and smart planning can drive significant improvements in sports performance, positioning USA Cycling as a leader in sports analytics.
The project was led by USA Cycling’s Senior Data Analyst Ryan Cooper.
"I've spent my career using data to push the boundaries, whether in global enterprises or endurance sports,” said Cooper. “Watching our entire organization, from athletes and coaches to staff and sponsors, come together to break the 4:05 barrier and take Gold was a truly awe-inspiring moment and a career highlight that shows what data-driven strategy can achieve."
The project was executed in four key phases over 18 months to optimize the Women’s Team Pursuit race strategy. Phase 1 focused on aerodynamic testing, utilizing the Silverstone wind tunnel and real-world track testing to gather crucial data on drag reduction and positioning. In Phase 2, the team developed 19 custom skinsuits designed for optimal aerodynamics. Phase 3 introduced a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) optimization model, which predicted overall race times, optimized cyclist order, and determined the most efficient pull strategies. Finally, Phase 4 integrated athlete metrics analytics, incorporating data such as power output, aerodynamic drag (CDA), Functional Reserve Capacity, and comparative z-scores to fine-tune performance and maximize efficiency on race day.
USA Cycling now stands alongside industry leaders in data-driven operations. The rest of the 2025 Edelman Award finalists include Amazon, Flipkart, Lufthansa Group, SF Express, and WM (previously Waste Management), with past winners including Walmart, the Government of Chile, the United Nations World Food Programme, and Intel. The 2025 Franz Edelman Award winner will be announced on April 7.
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Project 4:05 serves as a foundation for further advancements in cycling analytics, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. The methodologies developed through this initiative are now integral to USA Cycling’s high-performance program operations, shaping future race strategies and reinforcing its commitment to innovation.
As the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States, USA Cycling receives no federal funding, and relies on contributions from members, donors, sponsors, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to support the entirety of its operations, including groundbreaking initiatives like Project 4:05. Individuals and businesses interested in supporting USA Cycling en route to the LA 2028 Olympics can learn more about the USA Cycling Foundation and corporate sponsorship opportunities, both of which support the full range of sports performance programs.
