Sports industry Q&A

What is your background?

My background is a study in sports science at the German Sport University in Cologne. I made my doctoral thesis about sport ergonomics and the application to the bicycle. I worked after some years at the uni at RTI Sports which owns the brand Ergon (www.ergon-bike.com). So I learned as the R&D director how to make an ergonomic product from the very first idea to the final mass product. In 2011 I switched over to my own agency. My core business is giving ergonomics consultancy to sport companies to develop ergonomic products and tools (like the Canyon PPS, www.canyon.com). I run also a bike fitting studio in Koblenz where I fit athletes to perfection. I have been also a dedicated athlete doing all kinds of cycling disciplines and won 2 times the silver medal in the 24hrs MTB racing.

How did you first get into ergonomics?

My interest is from my early childhood in sports and technology. I was thinking about which profession would be right for me, the sport science or an engineering college. So it was my deeper interest that leads me to ergonomics. At the German Sports University I worked together with Prof Dr Froböse, where we did ergonomic studies for the industry. This was not limited for sport products. We did also motion analysis for Volkswagen.

How have you found the developing world of Sports Ergonomics?

In Germany the topic sport ergonomics is not well developed. When I worked at the German Sport University we were really surprised that real expertise was a missing field. When I switched over to the industry it was the same surprise that the companies worked only with very few knowledge in ergonomics. We made it different at Ergon so that the combination of several disciplines lead to higher ergonomics in products. Ergonomics should base on scientific knowledge and systematic thinking combined with creativity even when it comes to a product.

Who/what were your sporting inspirations growing up?

I was always in love with sports. I did all kind of sport like soccer, running, table tennis and cycling. I followed my heart when I was choosing for sport science. The bicycle was the perfect application for sport ergonomics because it covers so many interfaces between the man and the machine. And also anthropometry is very important for efficiency and comfort. So it was no question that I made my doctoral thesis about sport ergonomics in cycling.

Describe your greatest achievement in Sports Ergonomics to date

When I was a young cyclist I was working for a frame builder who made high end custom frames. These frames were perfect for the body and its usage. I saved all my money to get one personalised frame. From that moment I sucked everything from ergonomics in cycling. Later I transferred my thinking to other fields and today I have different experiences with all kind of products. Working at the German Sport University were a great time and also to make products at Ergon. Now my agency is a new challenge.

What is your vision for the future of Sports Ergonomics?

I see myself today as a pioneer in sport ergonomics. I visit about 20 trade shows of different businesses a year and the awareness of many companies is still very low. Some early movers go ahead. My mission is to bring more ergonomics to society, focused on sport applications. I do also research projects and teach students about ergonomics. Maybe I will work 24 hours a day to combine consultancy with university lectures.

Find out more at www.sport-ergonomics.com.