Weight Training

[oldborn]

Though, as I alluded to above, it would seem that whilst there could be an application for it at times (start of season maybe?) it can be done without. Or is that "should be done without"??

That is i call rational thinking.

 

[CoachFergie]

Yep, that's why I say "CAN" as in has potential to but not necessarily in all cases. Probably applicable to those, like the seeming improvement for aerobic performance, occur mostly in untrained persons. There are also the possible benefit to things like "core strength" (a term I loathe) but these have been hard to quantify by any research and seem to spouted a lot by people selling big rubber balls.

All the studies on aerobic performance have failed to compare apples with apples. They have compared two groups training and one group does extra gym work. Or Ronnestad's work where the control group performed worse on performance tests as they headed into the season. "Yes we saw gains from a weight training group of cyclists over a control group of cyclists who trained so easily they went slower in performance tests".

A NZ based study where the experimental group performed plyometrics and short sprints and performed better than a control group just doing miles. The co-author of that study thinks it was the short sprints that led to the gains. He still wonders why it wasn't accepted in a better publication than Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

The classic standby is Hickson 1988 whose "trained" subjects were 3 recreational riders and 3 runners whose "performance improvements" were on a test to failure on an erg. Hardly relevant to cycling performance.

Yes a lot of commercial interest. I did the personal trainer thing and in the end I stopped because while I was getting fat housewives lean I wasn't helping the sports people I wanted to help and in a variety of sports (Rugby, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Triathlon, Running, Gymnastics etc) I developed a far more specific form of conditioning work often involving doing <insert pause for effect> THE ACTUAL SPORT ITSELF.

And Bos had a leaner frame (at least from photos). Victoria Pendleton is another whom, compared to other sprinters, is very lean.

Pendleton is the only female sprinter you may see in FHM mag and like Theo Bos wins from riding a very high cadence. Must have an amazing anaerobic capacity. She claims to spend 3 hours a day in the gym at least 3 days a week but considering the way she looks and the way she races I wonder if that is a smoke screen. But elite athletes would never try and deceive us about what training they are doing

This is something I would be interested in seeing. I had, like many, thought that weight training was essential for all things sprinting.

Numerous examples of athletes from many strength based sports who don't do weight training. But I don't base my programmes on what other athletes do. Unless they have an evil twin acting as a control.

I have been collecting race data from a local winter race series and every weeks as I add 2-4 more files the picture of the racing and how people race adds shape and becomes more in focus. Just looking at one file or the file of one person doesn't flesh out what is really happening. That being said I am downloading Chris Anker-Sorenson's TdF files to see just what those guys go through.

Though, as I alluded to above, it would seem that whilst there could be an application for it at times (start of season maybe?) it can be done without. Or is that "should be done without"??

However I know your stance on it Fergie which I know is not gained merely by tradition, so I have, to the best my ability, tried to look further into this.

I have been fighting this fight since 1993 when I started study and instead of swotting for Psychology Exams poured through sports medicine and physiology journals (developing my distaste for all things heart rate training or lactate testing). The science on the subject is pretty bad to be honest. That is why you see most of it in JSCR.

Part of my research into boxing training as I mentioned in previous posts showed that very sport specific power is developed without touching a barbell.

Which is a pity cuz I like squatting and deadlifting

Gymnasts as well. They need maximal strength but fear putting on muscle.

Yeah I love the deadlift. Such a primal exercise.

Plus I an f**king awesome at teaching squat and snatch. If I don't say so myself.

 

[Tapeworm]

I think with any aspect of physiology one should keep a state of shoshin!


Oldborn, some pics for you. Guess what they have in common

Kim Collins (2003 100m sprint champion):-

But as discussed before, these are only anecdotes...

 

[CoachFergie]

Carole Dweck would call it the "growth mindset" as opposed to the fixed mindset. I get called closed minded a lot by people like Frank Day but it is funny how they cherry pick the data and rely substantially on anecdote where I aspire to look at the big picture.

Just crunching the numbers from Juan-Antonio Flecha and Chris Anker-Sorensen. Their peak powers are nothing to write home about but what they can hold for 5-20mins is quite remarkable. Andy Coggan says" "it's an aerobic sport damn it" and I am seeing more evidence of it here looking at real data not just how we think people train or how they would like us to believe they train.

 

[oldborn]

Yeah i got it.

As Cavendish once said in interview that he lift weights but it turns out it does not work for him so he lift very rare in off seson.
It works for Cancellara, Farar and me

 

[Apollonius]

First thing I can tell you as both a cyclist and certified fitness trainer

I would use my own body as resistance, this builds lean muscle and won't bulk you up like free weights.

Free weights bulk you up now? In what way are you certified? I only ask because any fitness instructor knows that it's diet that influences muscle mass first. Your body can not distinguish between a bench press and a press up. There isn't a magic sensor which pings on and says "Press up! Build lean muscle!" or "Bench press! Build bulk".
You the bulk you're talking of is fat and water - if you follow the correct diet, don't take in excessive calories then there will be no bulk - simply small lean muscle gains and an improvement of strength. Diet is key.

You talk about strengthening core muscles - well bench press, squats and dead lifts are the absolute best as strengthening core muscles, most top cyclists use all three. We aren't talking huge weights either.

I suggest the OP finds what works best for him regarding what resistance programme to follow rather than restrict himself to one set type.

 

[oldborn]

Maybe he just graduated in Australia

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

Free weights bulk you up now? In what way are you certified? I only ask because any fitness instructor knows that it's diet that influences muscle mass first. Your body can not distinguish between a bench press and a press up. There isn't a magic sensor which pings on and says "Press up! Build lean muscle!" or "Bench press! Build bulk".
You the bulk you're talking of is fat and water - if you follow the correct diet, don't take in excessive calories then there will be no bulk - simply small lean muscle gains and an improvement of strength. Diet is key.

You talk about strengthening core muscles - well bench press, squats and dead lifts are the absolute best as strengthening core muscles, most top cyclists use all three. We aren't talking huge weights either.

I suggest the OP finds what works best for him regarding what resistance programme to follow rather than restrict himself to one set type.

I am certified through the IFPA with other certifications gained through various gyms and classes. I have also worked as a freelance trainer and briefly at a gym gaining hours to reach higher levels of certification. I'll keep the documentation and credentials to myself for the sake of anonymity. I admit I am not working as a trainer at the moment, but my certifications are up to date and haven't expired.

In response to your comments, I agree to an extent. In my haste, I neglected to mention the importance of diet. However, I disagree with your assertion that your body can't tell the difference between a press up and a bench press. It's a different range of motion (depending on hand location on the floor and bar), targeting different muscle groups with different contractions. The press up hits more muscles in your back with the chest being secondary. The bench press is just the opposite; it actually targets less muscles. Again this changes with hand placement and body position. For instance, setting a bench press on an incline can actually target shoulders and chest without becoming a full shoulder press.

I also disagree with squats, deadlifts, and bench press as the best way to strengthen your core. For cycling, you want to strengthen your core and stability muscles while building lean muscles. While the workouts you mentioned will strengthen your core, I don't consider them the best as performing those exercises can work your muscles in a much more violent way causing more damage. A suspension trainer such as TRX is an excellent way to increase core strength while hitting necessary stability muscles. You want a hell of a good press up or shoulder work out, do a few sets with a suspension trainer. Also medicine balls and stability balls will help strengthen your core much more than the workouts you mentioned. The reason I don't advise cyclists to use free weights is because people have tendency to overload them. That becomes dangerous because it causes more damage to muscle fibers, which results in bigger muscles (bulking up), that's why body builders go for them. Using your body as resistance, the workout never gets harder than that and will ultimately build lean muscle because the damage to muscle fibers isn't as harsh.

Of course there are other factors that affect mass, such as the type of muscle fiber and your overall body type: ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph. An ectomorph will obviously have much more difficult time gaining bulk. I agree the OP finds what works for him. I know what works for cycling regardless of body type, where a trainer comes in is knowing which one of those cycling related workouts is best for him personally.

EDIT: When I say know what works for cycling, I mean gym related workouts to supplement bike training. I'm less familiar than other coaches and trainers out there with knowledge of the best ways to increase Vo2 max, lactate threshold, etc. That is by far the best way to increase cycling performance, but using proper resistance training and flexibility training you can improve as a cyclist as well.

 

[Tapeworm]

I also disagree with squats, deadlifts, and bench press as the best way to strengthen your core. For cycling, you want to strengthen your core and stability muscles while building lean muscles. While the workouts you mentioned will strengthen your core, I don't consider them the best as performing those exercises can work your muscles in a much more violent way causing more damage.

Are you sure you understand the correlation and definition of "strength" in response to stimuli? Light, high rep loads will not improve strength. Though perhaps endurance, which would be more relevant to cycling.

Also medicine balls and stability balls will help strengthen your core much more than the workouts you mentioned.

In my experience and research I have read it makes you really good at sitting on a ball. The transfer effect just isn't there and you'd be far better off riding your bike. And by definition if you are squatting say your body weight on a barbell then you'd have a stronger core than someone doing "crunches" on some rubbery ball.

The reason I don't advise cyclists to use free weights is because people have tendency to overload them.

Isn't that down to good coaching?

That becomes dangerous because it causes more damage to muscle fibers, which results in bigger muscles (bulking up), that's why body builders go for them. Using your body as resistance, the workout never gets harder than that and will ultimately build lean muscle because the damage to muscle fibers isn't as harsh.

As already discussed, muscle size is down to a variety of factors, just because you do body weights style exercise does not preclude you from"bulking up". And nor does lifting heavy automatically mean you are a bodybuilder and will build muscles like one.

Body weight only:-

That is by far the best way to increase cycling performance, but using proper resistance training and flexibility training you can improve as a cyclist as well.

How? Seriously, exactly how?

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

Are you sure you understand the correlation and definition of "strength" in response to stimuli? Light, high rep loads will not improve strength. Though perhaps endurance, which would be more relevant to cycling.

Yes I understand the correlation. High rep loads will do more to increase muscle endurance and little to increase strength, but the muscle fibers breaking down as a result of the efforts will rebuild resulting in some increased strength. Obviously not to the degree of low reps with a heavy load.

In my experience and research I have read it makes you really good at sitting on a ball. The transfer effect just isn't there and you'd be far better off riding your bike. And by definition if you are squatting say your body weight on a barbell then you'd have a stronger core than someone doing "crunches" on some rubbery ball.

What research and experience? In my experience and research with them, it does increase core strength by forcing your body to balance and stabilize itself resulting in increased core strength. When used properly they're very effective, but I guess if you were just sitting on it, it would make really good at sitting on a ball as well

Isn't that down to good coaching?

Yeah but most casual lifters, don't have "good coaching." They go into a gym and begin to putz around.

As already discussed, muscle size is down to a variety of factors, just because you do body weights style exercise does not preclude you from"bulking up". And nor does lifting heavy automatically mean you are a bodybuilder and will build muscles like one.

I don't dispute that, but if a cyclist starts an off-season workout routine and hits some heavy free weights (without knowing what to do), they will gain more than if they're doing lighter resistance training. I've seen it happen and it's happened to me.

How? Seriously, exactly how?

It's vitally important that it supplements your bike training, but doing proper weight training will improve core strength, improve muscle imbalances that may result from saddle time, improve bone density and joints which can prevent injury after a crash. It can also improve power output through increased flexibility and core strength (think fabian cancellara). Some of the workouts Apollonius mentioned are actually excellent workouts for cycling because they require more stabilization. I only suggest that a cyclist new to weigth training begin with a trainer to guide them along. Otherwise, if they do them improperly, they can actually hinder their bike training or injure themselves. Doing some of the workouts I mentioned are easier, just as effective, and don't have as much a chance of injury if done improperly.

 

[Tapeworm]

It's vitally important that it supplements your bike training, but doing proper weight training will improve core strength, improve muscle imbalances that may result from saddle time, improve bone density and joints which can prevent injury after a crash. It can also improve power output through increased flexibility and core strength (think fabian cancellara). Some of the workouts Apollonius mentioned are actually excellent workouts for cycling because they require more stabilization. I only suggest that a cyclist new to weigth training begin with a trainer to guide them along. Otherwise, if they do them improperly, they can actually hinder their bike training or injure themselves. Doing some of the workouts I mentioned are easier, just as effective, and don't have as much a chance of injury if done improperly.

And here I get to the issues at hand...
1) How does "core strength" improve aerobic cycling? (given that the core is used pretty much every second we are not lying down and that the relative forces in cycling are incredibly low). How many studies have demonstrated clear performance gains from doing "core work"?

2) How have you quantified that improved flexibility has improved aerobic cycling performance? Study?

3) What muscle imbalances, how are these assessed and how do you quantify that if they have been addressed and how do you quantify that a person has improved from addressing them?


Some reading:-

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19026017
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20179652
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18978631
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20130672


The core is important. If there were no ability for the core to resist the force of the leg then we wouldn't go anywhere. Two factors I think people suffer from on the bike which they associate with a "weak core" is often actually core endurance and the other is position.

This can simply be a matter of conditioning (ride more) the other is one of positioning on the bike, if set up incorrectly (for example extension of the leg is too great then the hips will move to accommodate this. This will accelerate the rate of fatigue. Hence the importance of a good fit.

If core strengthening were such an integral part of cycling then everyone would have to do it.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

And here I get to the issues at hand...
1) How does "core strength" improve aerobic cycling? (given that the core is used pretty much every second we are not lying down and that the relative forces in cycling are incredibly low). How many studies have demonstrated clear performance gains from doing "core work"?

Your first problem here is nowhere have I said "aerobic cycling performance." I simply said cycling performance then listed ways, none of which have anything to do with aerobics.

2) How have you quantified that improved flexibility has improved aerobic cycling performance? Study?
Again "aerobic cycling performance." Flexibility does not increase aerobic capacity, but Dr Andy Pruitt did acknowledged Fabian Cancellara's flexibility and shoulder strength and how it positively affects his time trialing.

3) What muscle imbalances, how are these assessed and how do you quantify that if they have been addressed and how do you quantify that a person has improved from addressing them?

These are mainly caused by an improper fit. Just incorporating a balanced workout can fix them.
Dr. Cohen addresses this in her article:

The causes of overuse injuries incycling are similar to those in running. Two of the more common causes I have encountered are overtraining, and muscle imbalance and inflexibility.

Muscle imbalance among recreational riders is often the result of general muscle weakness and unfamiliarity with the demands of cycling.

The core is important. If there were no ability for the core to resist the force of the leg then we wouldn't go anywhere. Two factors I think people suffer from on the bike which they associate with a "weak core" is often actually core endurance and the other is position.

This can simply be a matter of conditioning (ride more) the other is one of positioning on the bike, if set up incorrectly (for example extension of the leg is too great then the hips will move to accommodate this. This will accelerate the rate of fatigue. Hence the importance of a good fit.

I don't dispute that. I totally agree, but a workout regimen can be used to alleviate and even prevent injuries caused by improper fit.

Treatment could also include isometric and weight-resisted
exercises...

If core strengthening were such an integral part of cycling then everyone would have to do it.

Again you're misrepresenting my points. I'm not saying it's an "integreal part of cycling." I'm saying it can benefit cycling.

`Core stability' is seen as being pivotal for efficient biomechanical function to maximise force generation and minimise joint loads in all types of activities ranging from running to throwing.

Core stability provides the foundation from which power is generated in cycling.

Improved core stability and endurance could promote greater alignment of the lower extremity
when riding for extended durations as the core is more resistant to fatigue.

Cyclists should integrate a year round core conditioning program into current training to promote lower extremity alignment while cycling.

Strengthening the core musculature could enhance the stability of the foundational leverage from which the cyclist generates power, and increasing the endurance of the core muscles could promote core stability maintenance.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2379777/
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/adis/smd/2006/00000036/00000003/art00001
http://www.japmaonline.org/content/90/7/354.abstract
http://www.pitt.edu/~neurolab/publi...ween Cycling Mechanics and Core Stability.pdf

and just for fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR9JJghnqoo


EDIT: Can we just agree to disagree?

 

[Alex Simmons/RST]

I simply said cycling performance then listed ways, none of which have anything to do with aerobics.

But endurance cycling is an aerobic sport. So why bother with training that doesn't improve sustainable aerobic power? Or worse, might reduce it?

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

But endurance cycling is an aerobic sport. So why bother with training that doesn't improve sustainable aerobic power? Or worse, might reduce it?

If done properly it won't reduce aerobic power. I thought I've explained in prior posts why I think it should be done. I've had people come to me, experienced cyclists, complaining they no longer have that kick or they start to feel fatigued and sore. First thing is check out their bike fit, normally it's always spot on. I get them in the gym to do a few things, and many times what I notice is they have a week core and limited flexibility. I get them started on a routine, and eventually they stop coming, opting to do some workouts at home to maintain it. They almost always comment on how much better they feel on the bike.

Also, it leads to increased overall fitness. One client came to me and said he was tired of his body being disproportionate. I laughed and got him set up. He actually commented that he felt much stronger after starting the routine. Perhaps that was just psychological as his issue was nothing but vanity.

If overall fitness isn't a concern, and you're soley focused on aerobic power it may not be for you. When I was training, I wasn't only working with cyclists, I had other clients with different goals, so I've always advocated cross training like this. It just leads to a greater quality of life.

 

[Tapeworm]

These are mainly caused by an improper fit. Just incorporating a balanced workout can fix them.

I don't dispute that. I totally agree, but a workout regimen can be used to alleviate and even prevent injuries caused by improper fit.

I thought fixing the fit would fix the issues of an improper fit.

Again you're misrepresenting my points. I'm not saying it's an "integreal part of cycling." I'm saying it can benefit cycling.

Once again, how exactly? Muscular imbalances, get a proper fit. Core strength, not really necessary, trained on the bike. If you want strength, squat - real heavy like. Bone density, go for a short run, far more effective than weights. Balance, yet to see a cyclist who really faces "balance issues".

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2379777/
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/adis/smd/2006/00000036/00000003/art00001
http://www.japmaonline.org/content/90/7/354.abstract
http://www.pitt.edu/~neurolab/publi...ween Cycling Mechanics and Core Stability.pdf

A great collection of studies/reviews demonstrating the importance of the core and fit... but no mention of effective methods of training or developing the core.

and just for fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR9JJghnqoo

DaveZ is ultra cool and the squats on the wobbly board look awesome however 1) he is a professional athlete and would say "MegaFitness X Bands/balls/wobbly things/ginseng herbal/whatever" are the best thing for performance if paid enough and 2) and as my coach once told me, don't confuse difficulty with effectiveness.

EDIT: Can we just agree to disagree?

We can, but others read this forum and given the minimal amount of time most have to train I think the most relevant facts in relation to training should come to the fore, hence the lively discussions.

That being said I think most WANT to do these other activities and try and "justify" that it somehow benefits their cycling.

 

[CoachFergie]

Your first problem here is nowhere have I said "aerobic cycling performance." I simply said cycling performance then listed ways, none of which have anything to do with aerobics.

I have SRM data and performance data that indicate that strength is not relevant to sprint cycling.

2) How have you quantified that improved flexibility has improved aerobic cycling performance? Study?
Again "aerobic cycling performance." Flexibility does not increase aerobic capacity, but Dr Andy Pruitt did acknowledged Fabian Cancellara's flexibility and shoulder strength and how it positively affects his time trialing.

Just because a Dr says something does not make it magically true. If Dr Pruitt could present data that Fabian's shoulders are more flexible and stronger and this had a real effect on his performance rather than just a coincidence and that this difference would apply to more than just Fabian before we start twisting arms for the sake of TT performance.

These are mainly caused by an improper fit. Just incorporating a balanced workout can fix them.

Or as mentioned by changing the fit.

Dr. Cohen addresses this in her article:

An opinion piece from 1993 should hardly form the basis of any exercise programme let alone rehab.

I don't dispute that. I totally agree, but a workout regimen can be used to alleviate and even prevent injuries caused by improper fit.

Easier to change the fit. But then how would personal trainers make their money?

Again you're misrepresenting my points. I'm not saying it's an "integreal part of cycling." I'm saying it can benefit cycling.

We are saying you are wrong.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2379777/
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/adis/smd/2006/00000036/00000003/art00001
http://www.japmaonline.org/content/90/7/354.abstract
http://www.pitt.edu/~neurolab/publi...ween Cycling Mechanics and Core Stability.pdf

Some old and dated review papers. The Abt paper (in JSCR uuurrrrggggghhhhh) finds that core training stops knee movement but has no effect on performance.

 

[CoachFergie]

If done properly it won't reduce aerobic power.

If either strength training or hypertrophy training is done properly (which it often isn't) then you should be unable to train properly for days. Anything less intensive and the cyclist is better off doing a Yoga class.

I thought I've explained in prior posts why I think it should be done. I've had people come to me, experienced cyclists, complaining they no longer have that kick or they start to feel fatigued and sore.

Probably because they are doing too much like trying to combine big miles and high intensity interval training. I have SRM data to support that as well.

First thing is check out their bike fit, normally it's always spot on. I get them in the gym to do a few things, and many times what I notice is they have a week core and limited flexibility. I get them started on a routine, and eventually they stop coming, opting to do some workouts at home to maintain it. They almost always comment on how much better they feel on the bike.

Many cyclists have too well developed a core and this adds to the issues as abdominal musculature makes it difficult for them to reach the bars or ride in the drops. When doing a bike set up I often need to teach a rider how to use their core muscles while riding and they are fine from there. No special exercises are required.

Also, it leads to increased overall fitness. One client came to me and said he was tired of his body being disproportionate. I laughed and got him set up. He actually commented that he felt much stronger after starting the routine. Perhaps that was just psychological as his issue was nothing but vanity.

Nice anecdote. Completely irrelevant.

If overall fitness isn't a concern, and you're soley focused on aerobic power it may not be for you. When I was training, I wasn't only working with cyclists, I had other clients with different goals, so I've always advocated cross training like this. It just leads to a greater quality of life.

I'm sure that makes a nice little lead in to how personal training sessions can help people find the Holy Grail but some of us would like to read the fine print like any research on how cross training can improve quality of life. I have coached people to World Titles and they still aren't frigging happy.

 

[oldborn]

I still can not see why weights hurts cycling, and why should i change my training.
Maybe Cancellara read this and hire weight police coach.
Please name us any world top pro/team who s your client, and you are training him without weights and won some big races?
There is no sucha a cyclist, so why should i listen to you? Are you some authority?
Just saying


P.S. I am going to be away for a while, and my cat would be alone

 

[Tapeworm]

I still can not see why weights hurts cycling, and why should i change my training.
Maybe Cancellara read this and hire weight police coach.
Please name us any world top pro/team who s your client, and you are training him without weights and won some big races?
There is no sucha a cyclist, so why should i listen to you? Are you some authority?
Just saying


P.S. I am going to be away for a while, and my cat would be alone

Do you also know the other aspects of Cancellara's training? How many hours, in which zones, at what point in the season? If you know all that then the weight training may be self-explanatory.

Though Canc wouldn't be the first athlete to succeed in spite of their training, not because of it. Maybe he just likes lifting iron.

 

[CoachFergie]

Do you also know the other aspects of Cancellara's training? How many hours, in which zones, at what point in the season? If you know all that then the weight training may be self-explanatory.

Though Canc wouldn't be the first athlete to succeed in spite of their training, not because of it. Maybe he just likes lifting iron.

Only thing I have ever heard about Cancellara and weights is that he deadlifted 200kg on one of Bjarne's winter training camps.

Just shows what a moron Oldborn is that he wont believe evidence based practice and would rather follow gossip on a web site.

My riders are doing rather well. One won a major Pro Race in Canada and another won a criterium in Belgium. But like the Cancellara anecdotes maybe that had nothing to do with my coaching or weight training. If Cadel Evans wins the Tour Frank Day will be creaming himself because he is a Gimmickcranker.

 

[Tapeworm]

... If Cadel Evans wins the Tour Frank Day will be creaming himself because he is a Gimmickcranker...

I have it on very good information that they form only a little bit of his pre season training. Not that this information will deter the Frank Day marketing spin.

 

[CoachFergie]

I have it on very good information that they form only a little bit of his pre season training. Not that this information will deter the Frank Day marketing spin.

I think he said so at the start of the year himself. Used them at Aldo Sassi's suggestion to correct an imbalance between legs when riding.

What will amuse me is that Franks claims all the studies on GCs are null and void because they are not done over 6-9 months or do not fulfil the exclusive use requirement to see this mystical average 40% improvement in power. Yet riders like Evans, Nuyen and Pinotti only use them for a very small amount and never in racing but any results are plastered over the Gimmickcrank web site. EPIC FAIL!

 

[oldborn]

Do you also know the other aspects of Cancellara's training? How many hours, in which zones, at what point in the season? If you know all that then the weight training may be self-explanatory.

Though Canc wouldn't be the first athlete to succeed in spite of their training, not because of it. Maybe he just likes lifting iron.

No i do not have any details, just rumors. Why do you asking?
Just saying that rumors are sometimes better than some third class coach opinion.
What is wrong when we heard something?
Do you need any references

Stay well!

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

We are saying you are wrong

Not wrong, just a different approach to training.

I thinks that ultimately where the disagreement lies. Two totally different approaches to training. I advocate a more balanced overall approach; I'm assuming your training is more focused on lactate thresholds, Vo2 max, etc. Something I think absolutely important.

Besides, I don't think Chris Hoy would do this if it weren't beneficial:

 

[CoachFergie]

Is that the best you can do?

"Chris Hoy does weights so we should too"