Stade d'Athlétisme Philippidès, France
Why re-topping was a smart move for Montpellier
A sporting city with athletics at its heart
Montpellier’s track base is at the Stade d’Athlétisme Philippidès.
It features an 8 lane 400-metre track, including an integrated sprinting track and facilities for the jumping and throwing disciplines. It serves as a training ground for members of the two local athletics associations, Montpellier Athletic Club and Montpellier Athletic Méditerranée Métropole, as well as the local university.
Polytan’s Rekortan M re-top delivers environmental, athlete and cost performance
The old track had become wavy and uneven but rather than throwing it in landfill, Polytan provided a re-topping solution using a Rekortan M RT surface.
Where suitable re-surfacing is a smart decision. It maximizes the original investment by extending the life the existing track. The renewed flexibility improves performance and athlete welfare, and longevity is best for the environment.
In Montpellier the bumps and holes were levelled and a mixture of two resins which form a polyurethane topping over the existing surface was applied. Granules were applied on top to create the surface.
SMART technology added into the track
Polytan SMART technology was embedded in the track. In total of 141 magnets were embedded in the surface.
The SMART technology is unique, with magnetic gates embedded in the track connecting to a sensor or smartphone worn by the runner. This provides competitive athletes and coaches with advanced diagnostic information on force, agility, speed and endurance.
The SMART magnets are invisible and always on; there are no wires, force plates, laboratories, or cameras. For facilities there is no set up and no maintenance. The track stays SMART for life and it takes precise measurements regardless of the weather and for multiple athletes at once.
“Re-topping is an extremely economical and sustainable solution for the renovation of sports facilities, as the existing elastic substructures remain in place, rather than being disposed of.”
The sensor worn by the athlete only weighs 15 grams and the advanced diagnostics software is provided by Polytan’s partner, Humotion.
The diagnostics software analyses and evaluates the results, helping athletes like Olympic-hopeful, Ludovic Besson to direct their training more effectively and maximise their performance. The results provide athletes with a comprehensive athletic profile.
In Montpellier, the SMART technology is not only be used for running, but also to measure run-ups in the long jump or when pole vaulting.
