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pivoxa15
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How would you recognise that someone have talent in racing in road bike competitions?
What criteria would you use?
What criteria would you use?
I would hope that barring a serious accident, the rest of their bodies are also nearer to the finish line...jimmysnyder said:Also, the leg muscles of a good racer are situated closer to the finish line than those of the less talented ones.
That's where the talent part comes in.russ_watters said:I would hope that barring a serious accident, the rest of their bodies are also nearer to the finish line...
All top cyclists have excellent physical attributes. Armstrong is no exception, although in one way, he may be unusual even for an elite athlete. He is near but not at the top aerobically, having a VO2 Max of 83.8 mL/kg/min — much higher than the average person (40-50) but not as high as that of some other elite cyclists, such as Miguel Indurain (88.0, although reports exist that Indurain tested at 92-94) or Greg LeMond (92.5).[2] His heart is 30% larger than average; however, an enlarged heart is a common trait for many other athletes. He has a resting heart rate of 32-34 beats per minute with a max heart rate at 201 bpm.[3] Armstrong's most unusual attribute may be his low lactate levels. During intense training, the levels of most racers range from 12 μL/kg to as much as 20 μL/kg; Armstrong is below 6 μL/kg. The result is that less lactic acid accumulates in Armstrong's system, therefore it is possible that he feels less fatigue from severe efforts, and this may contribute to his ability to sustain the same level of physical effort as other elite racers with less fatigue and faster recovery times. Some theorize that his high pedaling cadence is designed to take advantage of this low lactate level. In contrast, other cyclists — like Jan Ullrich — rely on their anaerobic capacity, pushing a larger gear at a lower rate.
A talented road bike athlete possesses a combination of physical abilities, mental strength, and technical skills. They have a high level of cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and hand-eye coordination. They also have the ability to push through physical and mental barriers and have a strong understanding of bike mechanics and racing strategies.
Road bike athletes train through a combination of biking and strength training. They also incorporate interval training and hill repeats to build endurance and speed. Additionally, they focus on nutrition and recovery to ensure their bodies are properly fueled and rested for optimal performance.
The most common injuries faced by road bike athletes include knee pain, lower back pain, and wrist pain. These injuries can occur due to overuse, poor bike fit, or incorrect technique. It is important for athletes to listen to their bodies and address any discomfort or pain before it becomes a serious injury.
Road bike athletes prepare for a race by following a specific training plan, tapering their training leading up to the race, and visualizing the race route. They also pay attention to nutrition and hydration in the days leading up to the race to ensure their bodies are properly fueled. On race day, they warm up, check their bike for any issues, and mentally prepare for the race ahead.
A good road bike athlete has the physical abilities and technical skills to compete, but a great one also possesses mental toughness, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. They are able to push through challenges and setbacks and are always looking for ways to improve and evolve their training and racing strategies. Great athletes also have a deep passion and love for the sport, which drives them to continuously strive for excellence.