The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Marcel Guerrini, a Swiss mountain biking star and fifth-place finisher at the 2022 World Championships, shares his insights on the fierce competition at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. He discusses the unpredictability of the men's race and identifies a strong favorite for the women's event. Tire choice emerges as a crucial factor that could sway the outcome. Guerrini also reflects on the balance between Olympic aspirations and other prestigious competitions like the World Championships, emphasizing the strategic elements vital for success.

Kara Goucher, elite athlete and whistleblower, discusses balancing trust and skepticism in sports. She reflects on the challenges of celebrating exceptional performances amidst doping suspicions. Goucher talks about the importance of athlete-media relationships and her experience as an Olympics commentator. She provides insights on upcoming track and field events at the Paris Olympics, highlighting potential surprise winners and exciting storylines.

The podcast delves into the start of the Olympics in Paris, highlighting Men's Football and Sevens matches. They discuss Tour de France highlights, launching a daily Games of the Day show. Equestrian controversies and the significance of the Olympic Games are explored. The hosts invite audience input and share insights on sports science.

Top US sports journalist Jon Wertheim joins the team to discuss the relevance of the Olympics in modern times. They explore the impact of past Olympic Games, the evolution of sports, and the commercialization of sporting events. The conversation reflects on historical events like the 1984 Olympics and the challenges faced by track and field sports. They also debate the importance of Olympic medals versus major tournaments in today's sports culture.

Discussion on how professional cyclists use carbon monoxide for performance enhancement, including its effects on hemoglobin levels and VO2max. Analysis of Tadej Pogacar's exceptional numbers at the Tour de France and the skepticism surrounding his performances. Exploring the history and skepticism around doping in cycling, along with the challenges and ethical implications of utilizing carbon monoxide in sports.

Delving into influential sports science papers, the hosts discuss concepts like oxygen debt, lactate shuttle, and pacing strategies. They explore the central governor theory, controversial theories on exercise fatigue, and the regulation of pacing strategy in athletic competition. The podcast also challenges the efficacy of altitude training in elite athletes.

Former Olympian and coach Mark Coogan shares insights on training elite athletes for Paris 2024 Olympics, discussing talent spotting, training strategies, challenges of altitude training, importance of trust in coaching, controversy around 'Super Shoes', and the future of track and field amidst doping concerns.

Exploring exercise in the heat through the lens of the Tour de France, the podcast covers topics like physiological failures, brain responses to hyperthermia, and the yellow jersey battle. The analysis includes insights on Pogacar's record climb, challenges faced by cyclists in extreme heat, and strategies for heat adaptation and performance improvement.

Can Vingegaard recover from his accident to challenge Pogacar? Explore Tour de France physiology, performance requirements, and durability in cycling. Speculation and predictions add excitement to the TDF discussion and debate. Fantasy league predictions emphasize uncertainties in forecasting outcomes.

Dr. Tamara Hew-Butler, expert in hyponatremia, debunks myths on hydration during exercise, warning against overhydration. The podcast explores the risks of diluting sodium levels through excessive fluid intake, the impact on performance, and the evolution of hydration strategies in marathon racing. It questions the influence of corporate sponsorship on sports science research and delves into speaker preferences on hydration and beverages.