That Triathlon Show

Gabriele Gallo, PhD - The Science of Cycling Performance | EP#441

Aug 13, 2024

Gabriele Gallo, PhD, is a researcher at the University of Genoa specializing in cycling performance. He shares insights into the training strategies of elite Grand Tour cyclists, focusing on load, intensity, and recovery. Gallo discusses the balance of science and art in training, the importance of interpreting research accurately, and the challenges of misinformation in the sports world. He also emphasizes the need for adaptive training methods based on individual responses and the role of platforms like Knowledgeiswatt in bridging research and practical application.

01:05:16

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Episode guests

Gabriele Gallo

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Gabriele Gallo emphasizes the importance of low-intensity training comprising 80-90% of elite cyclists' routines to optimize performance.

The research discusses the effectiveness of altitude training, with top cyclists often training around 2,000 meters to enhance endurance.

Gallo stresses the critical balance between scientific research and practical coaching, encouraging personalized training strategies based on individual athlete needs.

Deep dives

Understanding Cycling Performance Research

The main focus of Dr. Gabriela Gallo's research is the physiological determinants of road cycling performance across different age categories, particularly elite cyclists in Grand Tours. His studies involved examining training strategies employed by cyclists who finished in the top spots of prestigious events like the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. By conducting observational case studies, he analyzed both annual and more granular training data to identify effective training practices. His work highlights the significance of understanding the nuances in training loads and recovery profiles, which can greatly influence an athlete's performance.

Intro

3min

Insights from Elite Cycling Research

17min

Bridging Research and Cycling Performance

26min

Navigating Information Overload in Sports

5min

Pursuit of Knowledge in Endurance Sports

6min

Evaluating Training Approaches in Cycling Performance

2min

Navigating Sports Science Resources

6min

Gabriele Gallo, PhD, is a researcher at the University of Genoa with a particular focus on the science of cycling performance. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is also the founder of Knowledgeiswatt, a platform through which he summarises cycling and sports science research into infographics and practical, medium-form articles.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-Insights into the training of top GC-riders in Grand Tours (Tour de France and Giro d'Italia)

-How to apply research findings into real-world training and racing (and how not to do it)

-The spectrum of "art" and "science" in training, and how to balance the two

-The balance of controlling for as many variables as possible, and ecological validity in research

-How to consume synthesized forms of research

-The future of sports science

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts441/

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LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Gabriele's Research Gate

-Knowledgeiswatt on Instagram and Substack

-The Day-by-Day Periodization Strategies of a Giro d’Italia Podium Finisher - Gallo et al. 2024

-The Weekly Periodization of Top 5 Tour de France General Classification Finishers: A Multiple Case Study - Gallo et al. 2023

-How do world class top 5 Giro d’Italia finishers train? A qualitative multiple case study - Gallo et al. 2022

-Power profiling, critical power, and U23 cycling research with Peter Leo | EP#319

-Durability in endurance sports with Ed Maunder, PhD and Stephen Seiler, Phd | EP#295

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CONTACT:

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