Endurance cycling, characterized by prolonged efforts over extended distances, serves as a critical test of an individual's physiological capacity and psychological fortitude. This discipline demands a sustained output of power, often pushing the limits of both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. The origins of endurance cycling can be traced to the early 20th century, with … Continue reading The Science of Endurance Cycling
Author: Bryan Coward
Amateur cyclist and outdoor junky.
Understanding Carbohydrate Metabolism During Cycling: Fueling Your Ride with Science
Cycling demands a lot from your body, and understanding how it fuels itself is crucial for optimizing performance and endurance. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for cyclists, and knowing how your body metabolizes them can make all the difference between a strong finish and hitting the dreaded "bonk." This blog post will delve into … Continue reading Understanding Carbohydrate Metabolism During Cycling: Fueling Your Ride with Science
Setting up your indoor training space
Welcome to the world of the Pain Cave! Whether you're preparing for a grueling race or just trying to stay fit during the off-season, setting up the perfect indoor cycling workout space is key to maintaining your training regimen. A well-organized and comfortable "pain cave" can make all the difference in staying motivated and logging … Continue reading Setting up your indoor training space
Exploring SRAMs new XPLR road drivetrains
SRAM has long been recognized as a leader in cycling innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in bike technology. From pioneering the first widely adopted 1x drivetrain to their industry-leading wireless electronic shifting, SRAM continues to revolutionize the way we ride. Their latest offering, the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain, is no exception. Designed … Continue reading Exploring SRAMs new XPLR road drivetrains
Ultimate Guide to Selecting Your First Racing Bike: New vs. Used, Discipline, and Components
Choosing your first racing bicycle is an exciting step toward diving deeper into the world of competitive cycling. Whether you're targeting road races, triathlons, or gravel adventures, the right bike can make all the difference in your performance and enjoyment. This guide will help you navigate the process, from understanding the new and used markets … Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Selecting Your First Racing Bike: New vs. Used, Discipline, and Components
The Pros and Cons of Commuting by E-Bike for Athletes
With the rise of electric bikes, or E-bikes, more athletes are considering riding for their daily commute. Commuting by E-bike offers a unique blend of convenience and exercise, making it an attractive choice for those looking to enhance their training regimen without sacrificing time or energy. But, like any training tool, E-bikes come with their … Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Commuting by E-Bike for Athletes
Maximizing Cycling Endurance: Pro-Level Nutrition Tips for Amateur Riders
When it comes to world-class endurance cycling, nutrition has become as critical as training. The 2024 Tour de France showcased just how far the sport has evolved, particularly in the realm of fueling strategies. Cyclists like Tadej Pogačar are managing sustained efforts indicating Functional Threshold Power approaching 7 w/kg. Chris Froome rode away from the … Continue reading Maximizing Cycling Endurance: Pro-Level Nutrition Tips for Amateur Riders
Denaturing Endurance;
Understanding proteins is a great place to start when you want to push the limits of biology. Proteins are responsible for most of the functions of life, and many of the critical processes of metabolism which facilitate endurance exercise are mediated by proteins. Proteins sit like little ice bergs in the seas of cell walls … Continue reading Denaturing Endurance;
Metabolism for Endurance Athletes, Part 3
Jumping back into my series on physiology, I wanted to cover the other side of the coin to my last post. My last post covered the reasons why hydration can affect aerobic performance; the rate limiting step in aerobic metabolism is oxygen movement in the blood, and thinner blood can move faster because it flows … Continue reading Metabolism for Endurance Athletes, Part 3
Metabolism for Endurance Athletes, Part 2
A week or two ago, I published Metabolism for Endurance Athletes, Part 1, which I recommend you read if you haven't. Biology was not something of interest to many of us in high school, but knowledge of human metabolism is very helpful in planning and executing endurance training. Last time, the main topic was an … Continue reading Metabolism for Endurance Athletes, Part 2
