The Roadman Cycling Podcast Unlock Hidden Watts: The Science of Breathing for Power With Dr. Andrew Sellars
Oct 6, 2025
Dr. Andrew Sellars, a physician and innovator in respiratory training, shares insights that could revolutionize cycling performance. He discusses how focusing on breath can unlock new levels of endurance and recovery, rivaling traditional power metrics. Explaining tools like TimeWare and the SpiroTiger, he emphasizes the importance of CO₂ balance and how nasal breathing enhances performance. Dr. Sellars also outlines practical techniques for cyclists to assess and improve their breathing, predicting a future where respiratory analysis becomes as common as heart rate monitoring.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Breakthrough Using Slow Breathing
- At 19 Andrew Sellars found an eight‑track on yoga breathing and used slow nasal breathing to improve running and swimming performance.
- Within six weeks his pace improved dramatically and he adopted the practice with his swim team.
Finding The SpiroTiger And CO2 Training
- Sellars met physiologist Jörg Feldman who introduced a rebreathing device (SpiroTiger) and tested it with clinical CO2/O2 analyzers.
- He confirmed the device balanced CO2 levels and began using respiratory training with athletes in the late 1990s.
Breathing Can Be The Hidden Limiter
- Performance splits into cardiac, respiratory, muscular, neurologic, psychologic and metabolic systems, each can limit output.
- Respiratory function can be the hidden limiter even when legs or heart seem strong.
