The Science of the Tour de France: Training secrets of the world's best cyclists

by James Witts

Overview

Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a world-class cyclist.

James Witts invites you into the world of marginal gains to discover the innovative training techniques, nutrition strategies and cutting-edge gear that are giving today's elite cyclists the competitive advantage.

Find out why Formula One telemetry is key to more bike speed; how power meters dictate training sessions and race strategy; how mannequins, computational fluid dynamics and wind-tunnels are elevating aerodynamics to the next level; why fats and training on water alone are popular in the peloton; and why the future of cycling will involve transcranial brain stimulation and wearable technology.

With contributions from the world's greatest riders, including Marcel Kittel, Peter Sagan and Bauke Mollema, and the teams that work alongside them: Etixx-Quick Step, Team Sky, Tinkoff, Movistar, BMC Racing, Trek-Segafredo and many more. Also meet the teams' sports scientists, coaches, nutritionists and chefs, who reveal the pioneering science that separates Contador and Cancellara from the recreational rider.

To win the Tour de France takes stamina, speed, strength… and science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472921710
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	06/16/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	94 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

James Witts has a background in sports science, and is a writer for a number of magazines, including Cyclist, New Scientist, BikesEtc, 220 Triathlon, Runner's World, Men's Health and GQ.
James Witts has a background in sports science, and is a writer for a number of magazines, including Cyclist, 220 Triathlon, Runner's World, Men's Health and GQ. He writes for The Guardian, too, and has reported from numerous editions of the Tour de France. He's also an active endurance athlete, competing in triathlons, half-marathons and sportives around the world.

Table of Contents

The Prologue

1 Power Meters: The Birthplace of Modern Cycling
2 Bike Fitting: Position, Prepare, Perform
3 Fuelling Up to the Tour
4 Training for the Tour
5 Bike and Wheel Innovation
6 Supplementing Speed: Clothing, Helmets and Saddles
7 In Search of Oxygen
8 Pyrenees and Alps: Ascending to the Gods
9 Race Fuelling
10 Rapid Recovery
11 Beat the Heat
12 Marginal Gains 2.0

Glossary
Index
Picture Credits

Editorial Reviews

"If you want to find out what goes into becoming a cyclist at the elite level, this book could be right up your street. It is also full of tips and advice from the professionals themselves on how to improve your cycling performance." - Cycling Weekly

"Jammed with contributions from the likes of Marcel Kittel, Bauke Mollema and current World Champion Peter Sagan. No serious Tour de France nut's bookshelf should be without a copy!" - BikesEtc

"[A] great explanation of the science involved in professional races, with plenty you can use to benefit your own cycling." - Richard Peploe, road.cc

"An in-depth study of the ongoing arms race in bike and rider tech that Tour teams are having to use for their 'marginal gains' instead of just pumping everyone full of EPO." - Stuff

"Easy to understand and packed with useful information . . . Club riders will love the read; competitive riders will live by its valuable scientific advice, and lifestyle weekend warriors will latch onto the pub ammo facts about the science behind drafting and exactly why the peloton can comfortably ride at 30mph. If you're looking to find a way of trimming a few seconds from your next outing, read on." - Outdoor Fitness

"This book can take you to the next level. There's easily applicable advice, and there's fascinating insight about how meticulous the pros' preparations are." - Mr Hyde

"In spellbinding detail along with magnificent photography and graphics the author carefully explains what it takes to ride this most punishing of races spread over almost an entire month of varied and arduous competition." - philosophyfootball

"Engrossing . . . highly recommended." - Freewheeling France

"A revelation . . . this gives us mere mortals a glimpse behind the wizard's curtain to show us just how scientific research and modern technology is being used to help pro racers ride ever faster." - BikesEtc

From the Publisher