British number one downhill skier, Finlay Mickel, now wears silk long johns on the advice of professors at the University of Glasgow's Department of Aeronautical Engineering. Mickel, along with fellow Scottish skiers, Ross Green and Roger Cruickshank visited the University last week in preparation for the World Cup season starting next month in North America.

The skiers trained in the University's wind tunnel and worked on the most aerodynamic tuck positions in a bid to improve their downhill speed. Mickel was satisfied at the end of the visit and said that he had "learned the most aerodynamic positions to adopt on the downhill course".

Silk long johns were recommended to the skiers on their last visit to the University. It has been found that aerodynamic underwear can shave two-tenths of a second over a typical downhill course.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further information please contact Roderick Galbraith, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 5295 Email: R.Galbraith@aero.gla.ac.uk or Judith or Kate in the Press Office Tel: 0141 330 3535.

First published: 3 November 2003