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.
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Gran Tour Training Insights
- Gabriele Gallo's research analyzed training data of top-five Grand Tour cyclists.
- The research focused on weekly and daily patterns, rather than annual data, to reveal nuanced training strategies.
Key Training Patterns
- High-volume, low-intensity training (80-90% of total time) is a key characteristic of successful cyclists.
- Cyclists utilize a race-based block periodization, with one-week races serving as high-load blocks.
Cycling-Specific Training
- Unlike other endurance sports, cyclists combine high intensity and volume within the same training sessions.
- This specificity likely reflects the demands of cycling races, where high-intensity efforts are required after prolonged periods.