Conquering the Mountains - The Science of Climbing

05/12/23 • 22 min

In this episode of The Knowledge Podcast by Wahoo, host Neal Henderson and Jeff Hoobler dive into the extreme demands of the Giro d'Italia, one of the most grueling grand tours in cycling. With over 51,000 meters of climbing over 21 stages, including three days with over 5,000 meters of climbing each, the Giro is notorious for being brutal and unpredictable. The hosts discuss the science of climbing, including the rate of vertical ascent and how it correlates with watts/kg, as well as the challenges of time trialing in uphill conditions, known as climb trialing. They also explore how the body responds to the demands of the race over a 3-week period, and offer insights into how cyclists can maximize their performance on the climbs. Don't miss this fascinating discussion on the science behind conquering the mountains in the Giro d'Italia.

Previous Episode

The Science of Fun w/ Neal Henderson

In this episode, host Neal Henderson dives into the world of structured training and how to make it not only effective but also fun.

We all have busy lives and it can be challenging to fit in regular workouts. Neal shares some practical tips on how to realistically plan and schedule workouts, including how to make the most of weekends and combining cycling with family time. He also emphasizes the importance of having a routine while maintaining flexibility and not being too rigid.

Accountability and motivation can be enhanced by joining group rides or virtual rides, and Neal shares how he uses his training log and goals to stay on track. But structured training doesn't have to be all serious and no fun! Neal shares some playful ways to add a competitive element to workouts, such as Strava segments and bike computer games.

And last but not least, Neal reminds us that riding should be enjoyable, and he shares some ways to have fun on your bike, including riding with friends and family, going for a leisurely ride without data, and taking the focus off of performance metrics.

Join us for this engaging and informative episode as we learn how to optimize structured training for fitness and fun.

Next Episode

The Art of Bike Fitting: Optimizing Comfort and Performance

Welcome to The Knowledge Podcast by Wahoo! In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of bike fitting, exploring how mobility and strength directly impact the perfect bike fit. Join your host, Neal Henderson and Jeff Hoobler as they uncover the secrets to achieving a functional and tailored bike fit that goes beyond the basics.

We start by discussing the fundamental elements you're likely familiar with, such as adjusting the bike and equipment, including contact points like handlebars, saddle, shoes, and pedals. But we go beyond the surface, exploring the nuances of crank length adjustment based on torque, speed, and riding position requirements.

However, the story doesn't end there. To truly understand the rider's needs, we emphasize the importance of interviewing the rider and considering factors like purpose, riding style, event length, skill level, and individual attributes like size, strengths, weaknesses, and injuries.

We then dive into the specific demands and expectations of different cycling disciplines, comparing the needs of road and time trial riders to those of off-road enthusiasts. We explore how steady efforts, repetitive movements, low cadence starts, high torque sprints, lateral agility, core stability, and upper body strength all play vital roles in different riding styles.

Furthermore, we examine the impact of mobility and strength on-bike fit. From cervical mobility and posterior chain strength for road and time trial riders to rotational movements, upper body strength, and core stability for mountain bikers and off-road cyclists, we analyze how these factors affect positioning on the bike.

To ensure optimal bike fit, we discuss the process of assessing and addressing limitations, imbalances, weaknesses, and injuries. By strategically adjusting the bike to manage these factors, incorporating strength, mobility, yoga, and flexibility training, and scheduling regular fit check-ups, riders can achieve their best performance and prevent discomfort and injuries.

Join us on this educational journey as we unlock the secrets of bike fitting and equip you with the knowledge to optimize your comfort and performance on the road or trail.