I Tried Outrunning My Drone...

NorCal Cycling
NorCal CyclingMar 5, 2026

Why It Matters

The test shows exoskeletons can significantly amplify human cycling performance, hinting at a disruptive shift in personal mobility and competitive sports markets.

Key Takeaways

  • Team lead-out strategy helped beat drone in second round
  • Hypershell X exoskeleton boosts leg power up to 40%
  • Drone flies at roughly 40 mph, challenging cyclists’ speed limits
  • Strong tailwind gave equal advantage to both riders and drone
  • Solo ride may succeed with exoskeleton despite fatigue and timing

Summary

The video documents a group of cyclists attempting to outrun a fast‑moving drone over a short 2‑km course, first solo, then with a coordinated lead‑out.

The first run fell short as the drone, cruising at about 40 mph, pulled ahead; a tailwind gave the drone and riders equal footing, prompting the team to execute a staggered lead‑out that ultimately allowed them to overtake the drone in the second attempt.

Host highlights the role of the sponsor’s Hypershell X exoskeleton, noting it “boosts leg strength by up to 40% and reduces effort by roughly 30%,” and credits the assist for the decisive speed gain that let Andrew and the narrator hit higher velocities.

If the exoskeleton can reliably turn a standard bike into an e‑bike‑like platform, it could reshape commuter cycling, endurance training, and niche sports where marginal power gains translate into competitive advantage.

Original Description

A day of fun with teammates sponsored by Hypershell: https://hypershell.tech/a/omnitrack/e5623946
Trying to get faster on the bike? https://www.norcal-cycling.com/couch-to-crit (scholarships are available)
Have footage to share? Easy 5 min uploader here: https://forms.gle/GqUf2AZ7TgeGqqwq5
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