[suicidemartini]

recently read this book and found it really comprehensive. few nutrition books out there that I think are worthwhile, but this is def one of them


Amazon.com: Racing Weight: How to Get Lean for Peak Performance (9781934030516): Matt Fitzgerald: Books

Endurance athletes are weight-conscious and given the miles and hours spent training, there’s a lot at stake. Weighing in just five or ten pounds over the ideal weight can dramatically impact race results. Author Matt Fitzgerald shows athletes how to identify their optimal weight and body composition to realize their goals. This 5-step plan to get lean is the key to faster racing and better health. With tools to improve diet, manage appetite, and time important nutrients, Racing Weight will inspire and equip athletes to make the subtle changes they need to start their next race at their optimal weight.

[IanHighfield]

Most important thing a racer can do is get down to their optimal weight. Not normal weight as per medical charts, but natural normal before fast food was the rule.

Have not seen this book but have no doubt it is good if getting light is what it promotes.

We spend all our time shopping for a bit that will take 20 grams off our race bikes when self control will allow a 20 pound reduction in most rider's body weight. That's more than the whole bike.

[Industry_Hack]

I need to lost at least two bike's worth by June.

[suicidemartini]

ya, the power-to-weight ratio is key, which I think most ppl became sensitive to during Armstrong's initial comeback, but the author shows you dont have to be a jockey like Pantani to be a great cyclists. The book has a lot of practical tips. Also does a great job of addressing all the different diets/training plans you see and making the best of them. It's like a training plan for your metabolism

[IanHighfield]

Originally Posted by suicidemartini

ya, the power-to-weight ratio is key, which I think most ppl became sensitive to during Armstrong's initial comeback, but the author shows you dont have to be a jockey like Pantani to be a great cyclists. The book has a lot of practical tips. Also does a great job of addressing all the different diets/training plans you see and making the best of them. It's like a training plan for your metabolism

True, you do not have to be a jockey, just don't be the horse.

Pure fat is the enemy. Is does no work. Climbers and long distance lads tend to be bird-like. Sprinters, crit specialist, short distance (under 50 miles) time trial racers can be more muscular. If you can pinch more than 2 centimeters anywhere on your body, you could lose weight. (fat)

[Industry_Hack]

Downhill racers do ok with a bit of extra fat.

[IanHighfield]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

Downhill racers do ok with a bit of extra fat.

Downhill racing is less about pure aerobic capacity and oxygen use. It's about superior bike handling and a willingness to die against a tree. Usually downhill winners are the most daring. Plus gravity likes a fat bastard.