Cycling Science

Authoritative, yet accessible, this guide provides the latest on science and technology from the world’s top cycling coaches and researchers. Comprehensive and cutting edge, coverage includes the rider–machine interface, environmental stressors, health issues, the planning of training programs, racing techniques, and more.

Finally, the authoritative resource that serious cyclists have been waiting for has arrived. The perfect blend of science and application, Cycling Science takes you inside the sport, into the training room and research lab, and onto the course.

A remarkable achievement, Cycling Science features the following:

• Contributions from 43 top cycling scientists and coaches from around the world

• The latest thinking on the rider-machine interface, including topics such as bike fit, aerodynamics, biomechanics, and pedaling technique

• Information about environmental stressors, including heat, altitude, and air pollution

• A look at health issues such as on-bike and off-bike nutrition, common injuries, fatigue, overtraining, and recovery

• Help in planning training programs, including using a power meter, managing cycling data, off-the-bike training, cycling specific stretching, and mental training

• The latest coaching and racing techniques, including pacing theories, and strategies for road, track, MTB, BMX, and ultra-distance events

In this book, editors and cycling scientists Stephen Cheung, PhD, and Mikel Zabala, PhD, have assembled the latest information for serious cyclists.

Part I. The Cyclist

Chapter 1. The Cyclist’s Physique

Paolo Menaspà and Franco Impellizzeri

Chapter 2. Cycling Physiology and Genetics

Stephen S. Cheung

Part II. The Bike

Chapter 3. Bicycle Design

Larry Ruff

Chapter 4. Frame Materials and Geometry

Larry Ruff

Chapter 5. Saddle Biomechanics

Daniel Schade

Part III. The Human–Machine Interface

Chapter 6. Biomechanics of Cycling

Rodrigo Rico Bini

Chapter 7. The Science of Bike Fit

Rodrigo Rico Bini

Chapter 8. Bike Fit and Body Positioning

Todd M. Carver

Chapter 9. The Aerodynamic Rider

Andy Froncioni

Chapter 10. Pedaling Technique and Technology

Thomas Korff, Marco Arkesteijn, and Paul Barratt

Part IV. The Cycling Environment

Chapter 11. Dealing With Heat Stress

Stephen S. Cheung

Chapter 12. Air Pollution and Cyclists

Mike Koehle and Luisa Giles

Chapter 13. Altitude and Hypoxic Training

Randall L. Wilber

Chapter 14. Tackling the Hills

Hunter Allen

Part V. Nutrition and Ergogenics

Chapter 15. Cycling Nutrition

Dina Griffin

Chapter 16. Feeding During Cycling

Dina Griffin

Chapter 17. Hydration Science

Stacy Sims

Chapter 18. Doping’s Dark Past and a New Cycling Era

Mikel Zabala

Part VI. Cycling Health

Chapter 19. Epidemiology of Cycling Injuries

Victor Lun

Chapter 20. Managing Common Cycling Injuries

Victor Lun

Chapter 21. Fatigue and Overtraining

Romain Meeusen and Kevin De Pauw

Chapter 22. Recovery Interventions

Shona L. Halson and Nathan G. Versey

Part VII. Training Development and Assessment

Chapter