The Science of the Tour de France: Training secrets of the world’s best cyclists

by James Witts

Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a world-class cyclist.

James Witts invites you into the world of marginal gains to discover the innovative training techniques, nutrition strategies and cutting-edge gear that are giving today’s elite cyclists the competitive advantage.

Find out why Formula One telemetry is key to more bike speed; how power meters dictate training sessions and race strategy; how mannequins, computational fluid dynamics and wind-tunnels are elevating aerodynamics to the next level; why fats and training on water alone are popular in the peloton; and why the future of cycling will involve transcranial brain stimulation and wearable technology.

With contributions from the world’s greatest riders, including Marcel Kittel, Peter Sagan and Bauke Mollema, and the teams that work alongside Etixx-Quick Step, Team Sky, Tinkoff, Movistar, BMC Racing, Trek-Segafredo and many more. Also meet the teams’ sports scientists, coaches, nutritionists and chefs, who reveal the pioneering science that separates Contador and Cancellara from the recreational rider.
To win the Tour de France takes stamina, speed, strength . . . and science .

Genres: Cycling, Sports, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2016

Reviews

[yusuf habib Dibs wazit · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an amateur cyclist ( cycling anywhere from 20km/12miles to 400km/250miles) I must say this book was a very interesting read. It's not one of those books that just all talks about cycling.

It tackles all aspects from bikes to the riders to technology integration, nutrition, health, sleep,psychology and much more. It really is a book of science and it does it well with a simple fluid easy and understandable rhythm to it.

I'm now definitely sure my future rides cycling with my mates will benefit from the points I've picked up from this book which will enable me to avoid previous mistakes that I was oblivious to in the past.

[David Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

A well written easy to understand and packed with valuable information. Highly recommend to any standard of cyclist. Must buy

[Maultby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. Well structured and a compelling read

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a cyclist myself, just an avid fan of professional cycling, but I found this book very interesting. It’s hard to believe that any book on this subject could be more comprehensive than this one! It contains so much information, sometimes down to the most minor details, but in a very easy to read way, even to laymen like me! Key points are often expanded into colour panels, and this together with some beautiful imagery make for an excellent book visually, too. I can highly recommend it as a cycling fan.

[Rauno Villberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this in 2023 is interesting, as some of the science has changed (pros eat even more carbs, for example) but a lot has stayed the same too.
Fun to recognize the names that are still around in the peloton 7 years later like Froome, G and Luke Rowe.

I have no plans to race nor do I see myself investing in an expensive aero bike or whatever, but I am a nerd and I enjoyed reading this.

[Richard Vere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read