On a mathematical formulation and solution of the fair-lane assignment problem in bicycle motocross racing

[摘要] Bicycle Motocross (BMX) is a sport in which riders compete over an elaborately designed track. The sport of BMX has different systems of qualifying participants to the next round of competition. In the most popular system, a rider has three chances to win a race and advance to the next round. Since lane assigning is traditionally done by three separate random draws, an unlucky rider could be assigned the worst lane each time. This research proposes that choosing lanes for each rider in the beginning as a set of well-structured triples would eradicate this mishap, but calls for a clever method to generate a fair set of triples. A mathematical model and algorithm have been developed that offer an optimal set of triples giving the lane assignment. Therefore, we eliminate the possibility of any rider being victimized by misfortune, and offer each participant an equitable opportunity for advancement.

[发布机构] Rice University

[效力级别] Recreation