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Historically, a wide variety of materials have been used for bicycle frames, wheels and other components. To optimize cycling performance, the structures used must be tailored to the loads they bear without being unnecessarily heavy.

Just two weeks before the Tour de France begins in Leeds, Dr Martin Strangwood will talk about the forces modern bicycles are exposed to, and how new materials and designs have been developed to accommodate these. He will discuss the innovative materials use for the bikes of the past, the present and the future.

Dr Strangwood is a materials scientist at Birmingham University, and undertakes research into a range of sports materials.

(You will have noticed that Yorkshire is Turning Yellow for the Tour de France, so audience members on 17th June are welcome to wear something yellow in support.)