The world of professional cycling is facing a critical issue: its historical embrace of practices that put riders' bone health at risk. While exercise is generally beneficial, cycling has a hidden secret - too much of it can harm your bones, and the damage might go unnoticed until it's too late. This is particularly concerning given that low bone density can occur at any age and is notoriously difficult to reverse, especially later in life. But here's where it gets controversial: professional cycling has long encouraged practices that may exacerbate this problem, such as promoting very low body weight and discouraging weight training or impact sports during the season. However, there's a glimmer of hope as the culture is slowly improving, with teams like Human Powered Health taking proactive steps to address these concerns. In this article, we'll explore the science behind bone health, the risks associated with cycling, and the steps being taken to mitigate these risks. We'll also discuss the importance of diet, the potential for bone density tests, and the need for personalized approaches to ensure the health and well-being of professional cyclists.
