The Weight Of The Peloton

Does the pro peloton have a problem with food? Are cyclists eating enough to be healthy?

Former pro cyclist and GCN presenter Conor Dunne investigates how the pursuit of low weight has been the fixation of professional riders for generations. He finds out if his own weight loss programme has caused lasting damage, and asks if pro teams are now changing their approach to weight management.

Conor heads to Italy to meet former teammate Davide Cimolai to hear how his weight obsession ruined his early years. He also hears from Gabz Cullaigh whose recent experience at the top of the sport presents evidence that despite advances in coaching and science-led meal plans, under-eating is still a problem.

____________________
GCN+ is the home of the world’s most thrilling live bike races, highlights, exclusive shows and epic cycling documentaries that you can enjoy live + ad-free + on-demand + interactive + all-year round.

GCN+ is more of everything you’ve come to love from GCN but taken to the next level: more entertainment, more races, more inspiration, more access, more analysis, more science and more to watch with exclusive and original long-form films, documentaries and shows.

GCN+ is #cycling like you’ve never seen it before.

[patriciabursnall]

@GCN+ : This is likely the most important video you have ever made. As a coach for high school mtb riders, I'll be working out how to show this to them; would love to send it out as a link if you should ever make it public. Thanks Conner and co. for putting this together; it really needs to be seen by as many young riders as possible. Thankful GCN+ subscriber.

[zachkonings]

I broke my femur/hip racing at 21yo at a UCI Amarica tour race and when I asked my doctor to get a bone density test they told me that I don't need one because "I'm obviously extremely healthy if I was able to race at a pro level". It was incredibly fresturating explaining that cycling at a high level is actually not that healthy. Glad someone is shedding light on this!

[NGabe]

It's always somehow strange and at the same time interesting to see a usually funny person presenting a serious topic. Maybe it's time to subscribe to GCN+.

[hugobrown]

It was as good on GCN+ THANKS CONNOR but I wish you had spoke about the actual food itself. And how it influenced weight regarding certain days. What was and is the Movistar rider consuming.
Starving is obvious but what were the binges. Also any alcohol etc.:.
Maybe cover this further. Thanks.
I have one meal a day at 6 pm.
But I ride almost every day on no food. Etc….
Also are the pros riding on no carbs to get weight down before the Tours. Thanks. connor is great!

[justinschultz]

This was very interesting. We'll done documentary.

[Wastl]

Well, tbh pro sports in general have little to do with being healthy but to perform to the maximum of the athlete's ability when it counts

[lloydusdavies]

"perceived wisdom" not "received wisdom"

[apm]

I've been waiting for this GCN+ video for weeks! Time to go to the GCN app!

[donwinston]

This is one of the most overblown and silly "problems" around. The number of people overdoing it while dieting is microscopic compared to the number of people stuffing their face with too much food while sitting on their butt all day every day. Wanting to be slim, athletic, and managing your food consumption is NOT a "disorder". It is what EVERYONE should want to do. Doing so does not cause an eating "disorder" anymore than sneezing causes a cold.