By Coach Fred Matheny Andy Pruitt’s name has become synonymous with sports medicine for cycling. As director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, Pruitt has made a career out of treating world-class riders. He has served as chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team and is an elite athlete in his own right, too. He lost his lower … [Read more...] about Cycling Sports Medicine Tips from an Expert
1Training & Health
Are Fatty Foods Good During Ultra Endurance Bicycle Rides?
Question: Several years ago, I heard Coach Fred talk about his participation in the Team Race Across America. He mentioned how he and his three teammates had planned to eat carbs but craved fat and even started wolfing down potato chips. What's the scoop on nutrition for ultras? Are fatty foods necessary? -- Joe F. … [Read more...] about Are Fatty Foods Good During Ultra Endurance Bicycle Rides?
Will a Low Carb Diet Make You Slow as a Cyclist?
Question: Last winter I adopted a low-carbohydrate diet and lost 20 pounds. I'm continuing the diet but wonder if lack of carbs is the cause of my struggles on the bike. While I've improved my average speed on solo rides, I can't keep up with my friends on Sunday morning. I'm fine when the pace is steady, but if they sprint I'm off the back. How do I maintain low body weight … [Read more...] about Will a Low Carb Diet Make You Slow as a Cyclist?
Why Does My Kneecap Hurt When Cycling?
Question: I'm new to road riding after years of BMX racing and mountain biking. I get pain in my knee when I ride long and hard. It's the patella that hurts, not the tendon. What's the cause? -- David C. … [Read more...] about Why Does My Kneecap Hurt When Cycling?
Why Does Riding Hills Hurt My Knees?
Question: I'm a MTB racer who purchased a new road bike last summer and have trained hard on it, especially on short steep hills. This has made a huge performance difference in my MTB riding, but do you think pushing the bigger gears is why my knee hurts? -- Paul Y. … [Read more...] about Why Does Riding Hills Hurt My Knees?