Professional cycling is an intense sport that demands peak physical performance from its athletes. One of the ways that performance is measured is through body mass index (BMI), a metric that takes into account a person’s weight and height to determine their body fat percentage. However, recent studies suggest that the BMI of professional cyclists may be on the brink of unhealthy levels.

BMI and its Limitations

BMI is a widely used measure of body composition that has been used for decades. However, it has its limitations. For example, BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass, which can lead to misleading results in athletes who have high muscle mass but low body fat. This is particularly relevant for professional cyclists who have well-trained muscles from rigorous training regimes.

BMI of Professional Cyclists

According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, the BMI of professional cyclists hovers around the borderline between healthy and overweight. The study examined the BMIs of 50 professional male cyclists from a WorldTour team during a training camp. The results showed that the average BMI was 23.8, which is at the higher end of the healthy range (18.5-24.9). However, nearly a quarter of the cyclists had a BMI over 25, which is considered overweight.

Possible Explanations

There are several possible explanations for why the BMI of professional cyclists may be teetering on the edge of health. Firstly, cyclists need to maintain a high level of muscle mass to perform well in races. This can lead to a higher BMI despite low body fat levels. Additionally, many professional cyclists have a body type that is naturally more muscular, which can lead to higher BMIs. Finally, some professional cyclists may intentionally gain weight to improve their performance, especially in races that involve steep climbs.

Implications

The fact that the BMI of professional cyclists is on the edge of healthy levels has several implications. Firstly, it suggests that BMI may not be the most appropriate metric for assessing the health of professional cyclists. Secondly, it highlights the need for more research into the optimal body composition for professional cyclists. Finally, it raises concerns about the long-term health implications of cycling, particularly if cyclists continue to maintain a high BMI throughout their careers.

Sources:

1. Menaspà, P., Quod, M. J., & Martin, D. T. (2020). Body mass index of elite male road cyclists during the off-season and the pre-season: a case study. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(2), 246-249.

2. Baum, J. (2021, April 22). The BMI of pro cyclists hovers on the edge of healthy. Outside Online. https://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/endurance-training/bmi-pro-cyclists-healthy/.