Massive bike power

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Wednesday, 17 March 2010 11:57

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Massive bike power

Ian Craig

Coming from a running background, where weight training has been shown to improve running economy, boost lactate threshold and decrease injury incidence, I automatically think that every other sport can also benefit from time in the weights room. However, entering the cycling arena, I have found that some cycling coaches and scientists are far from convinced.

Checking out the literature for myself, it is full of opposing view points. Andy Coggan, a recognized international authority on cycling physiology and the use of power meters presents a convincing argument that suggests you would be better spending your time on some hills reps or acceleration training. He does not think that the weight training research is particularly conclusive and favours the specificity of cycle training. The late Edmund Burke, physiologist for USA Cycling in the 1980s, on the other hand, encouraged his athletes to cross-train, which included weights and plyometrics. In his book Serious Cycling, Burke outlines a very comprehensive plan for incorporating resistance work into your programme.