Why are pro cyclists hitting the gym?

"Strength training, while beneficial for injury reduction and overall health in cycling, requires careful integration into an athlete's training schedule due to the sport's demands."

"Cyclists often have a gym schedule that varies throughout the season, emphasizing core stability in the off-season and adjusting to racing schedules."

"Luca Zenti highlighted that the benefits of strength training are clear, but excessive volume can lead to heavy legs, which athletes dislike."

"The cons of adding strength training to an already intense racing schedule pose challenges in maintaining strength levels consistently."

Strength training is increasingly recognized for its benefits to cyclists, including injury reduction and improved performance. However, integrating strength workouts into a cyclist's demanding schedule poses challenges, especially near race time. Coaches like Luca Zenti emphasize the importance of a strategic approach, starting with core stability and progressing to maximum strength. The timing of gym sessions changes throughout the racing calendar, where workouts decrease closer to competitions. Cyclists face difficulties maintaining strength during packed racing weeks, making consistent training a challenge but essential for long-term success.

Read at Cyclingnews