At the Tour de France we caught up with Robby Ketchell, Director of Sport Science at Team Garmin-Sharp to find out why we always see pros on the turbo at the end of the stage.
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After every stage the riders come back to their bus and sit on the rollers or the turbo for a session. Surely having just ridden as far and as fast as the pros do, this is the last thing they need? We went and found out why.
Spinning the legs helps to reduce riders heart rates gradually and reduce lactic acid in a controlled fashion, therefore meaning they recover faster. Tests that Garmin-Sharp have run on lactate levels show that the inital recover period straight after exercise is really important.
All well and good for the pros, but can us mere mortals make use of this? Yes! Factor in ten minutes or so of recovery into your rides to help your body come back to a less lactate filled state and bring your heart rate back down to a lower level - you'll recover quicker and be able to ride again sooner.
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Photos: © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / http://www.tdwsport.com
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Music licensed by Cue Songs
Music - licensed by Cue Songs
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