Why so many fractures?

[ProfTournesol]

I was discussing the high number of fractures on the World Tour this year with some friends. There are undoubtedly many things that contribute to this but the frequency does seem to be increasing. It was suggested to me that one reason may be related to rider's bone density. It's been recognised that long-term, pro cyclists face the risk of osteopenia, that is reduced bone density. Even though they exercise a lot, bone density is more responsive to weight bearing exercise rather than exercise per se. Add to that the extremely low weight, the higher than community rates of eating disorders amongst pro cyclists, and I wonder whether this makes it more likely that a crash will result in a broken bone? Does anyone know of any research in this area?

 

[Anonymous]

http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=14446

 

[Bavarianrider]

Very skinny riders, very little protection for the bones.
Of course that's not true for all the riders and crashes. But the general tendency certainly can't be denied.
Guys like Cancellara are less likely to break their bones on a crash then guys like van den Broeck.

 

[woodie]

They're going faster and hitting harder.

 

[theyoungest]

Very skinny riders, very little protection for the bones.
Of course that's not true for all the riders and crashes. But the general tendency certainly can't be denied.
Guys like Cancellara are less likely to break their bones on a crash then guys like van den Broeck.

You really know absolutely nothing about cycling history, it seems. Climbers used to be fat, is that what you think?

 

[Bavarianrider]

You really know absolutely nothing about cycling history, it seems. Climbers used to be fat, is that what you think?

Being extra light leeds to a high chance of breaking bones. That's all i say.
I am not talking about being fat But if you have almost no flesh and muslces left aroung your shoulders, the risk is just there.
I don't say there haven't been super skinny riders in the past. But those guys have always been more likely to breake something then those who have some flesh left.

 

[ProfTournesol]

the risk of fracture is less related to rider 'thickness' than it is to bone density. When the tour first started, many riders were miners, farmers or 'working class' who performed manual labour on their feet, their bones would have been much stronger. More sun exposure (OK not the miners) also means more Vitamin D and stronger bones.

 

[Highlander]

The lack of meat and dairy probably was the cause of DZ's wrist fracture

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Very skinny riders, very little protection for the bones.
Of course that's not true for all the riders and crashes. But the general tendency certainly can't be denied.
Guys like Cancellara are less likely to break their bones on a crash then guys like van den Broeck.

this. I knew a guy who fell out of his windown on a streetlight(lantaarnpaal) from 3 high. he didn't die, because as his doctor said, you are so muscled, it's like a harnas. that's what protected him

another thing is riders have no idea how to fall. like falling with their hands down is ludicrous. I come from mma and when I crash from my bike I make sure I always roll and fall on my back

 

[veganrob]

Just because these guys are super fit does not mean they are super healthy. They put an incredible amount of stress on their bodies, drugs etc.
Studies have shown that cyclists and some other endurance athletes that ride extremely high mileage suffer from bone density loss because of the lack of weight bearing exercises. The body needs these types of exercise. Supplementing calcium just does not work.

 

[theyoungest]

this. I knew a guy who fell out of his windown on a streetlight(lantaarnpaal) from 3 high. he didn't die, because as his doctor said, you are so muscled, it's like a harnas. that's what protected him

another thing is riders have no idea how to fall. like falling with their hands down is ludicrous. I come from mma and when I crash from my bike I make sure I always roll and fall on my back

You're such a hero. Now go ride the Tour and see how you'll apply those rules in a massive pileup.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

every rider in the peloton puts his arms/hands down when crashing, that's the point

 

[lancaster]

the risk of fracture is less related to rider 'thickness' than it is to bone density. When the tour first started, many riders were miners, farmers or 'working class' who performed manual labour on their feet, their bones would have been much stronger. More sun exposure (OK not the miners) also means more Vitamin D and stronger bones.

lack of exposure to sunlight is not a criticism that can be leveled against cyclists. think about it.

 

[Bavarianrider]

every rider in the peloton puts his arms/hands down when crashing, that's the point

Exactly, Jan shows how it should be done.
Keep your arms on the bike and make a role

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPsktl4T-S4

 

[Escarabajo]

this. I knew a guy who fell out of his windown on a streetlight(lantaarnpaal) from 3 high. he didn't die, because as his doctor said, you are so muscled, it's like a harnas. that's what protected him

another thing is riders have no idea how to fall. like falling with their hands down is ludicrous. I come from mma and when I crash from my bike I make sure I always roll and fall on my back

Sometimes riders don't have time to react.

The weight exercise has not helped Gesink. Oh wait, he is still riding in the Tour, so never mind.

 

[Bavarianrider]

Sometimes riders don't have to react.

The weight exercise has not helped Gesink. Oh wait, he is still riding in the Tour, so never mind.

Weight?
How much does this broom stick weigh? 200 gramms?

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

gesink is 191 and 68 kg right? very unhealthy although very fit I suppose

 

[dlwssonic]

wtf gesink is an athelete and he is worse than me. Im 173 and 51kg. Im still growing though.

 

[Bavarianrider]

gesink is 191 and 68 kg right? very unhealthy although very fit I suppose

1.91m and 68 kg is just pathetic for an athlete. That's an BMI of 18.6
We need a regulation like in ski jumping! 20 really should be the minimum!

 

[dlwssonic]

1.91m and 68 kg is just pathetic for an athlete. That's an BMI of 18.6
We need a regulation like in ski jumping! 20 really should be the minimum!

really unhealthy. its terrible to lose all your fats until you become skin and bones everywhere except for your thighs and legs.

 

[Bavarianrider]

really unhealthy. its terrible to lose all your fats until you become skin and bones everywhere except for your thighs and legs.

Exactly. I BMI regulation would really help everyone. I just don't get why this is never discussed in cycling. Would be a really really good thing in the interest of all riders!

 

[jens_attacks]

oh c'mon even overeem can break all his bones descending on a wet road in a 200 guys peloton riding at 80 km/h.look at poor vino,he is big boned,not looking like you're average skinny climber.when shiit happens,you will go down no matter if you are gesink or bert grabsch.
they crashed since the beginning of the sport and they still will

 

[dlwssonic]

I think i can safely say this guy wouldnt get injured so easily

 

[veganrob]

Sometimes riders don't have time to react.

The weight exercise has not helped Gesink. Oh wait, he is still riding in the Tour, so never mind.

He is doing balance and flexibility excercise

 

[dlwssonic]

He is doing balance and flexibility excercise

he is actually doing weights. those are really heavy for him