Does weight training help cycling performance?

[bluegoose]

I came across this article abstract this morning while I was glancing at the RBR newsletter.

I don't have access to the whole article, but it says basically that compared with a control group that continued with their standard cycling program, the variable group of cyclists that did a 3x/week strengthening program in addition to their cycling program, showed no improvement in a 30km max test and actually showed decreased 1km sprint performance. They did have a higher 1 rep squat max performance as compared to the control group.

From what I've read, most coaches are split right down the middle as to whether they recommend separate resistance training to improve cycling performance. I can't remember which book I read it in, but Levi Leipheimer and Max Testa (his coach) were often at odds as to whether Levi should be lifting weights. Max wanted him to, Levi didn't want to.

Its a very small sample size (14 total cyclists) and we don't know whether there was a tapering period following a hard weight training session and the max test, so I don't think that we can conclude that their findings are definitive by an means, but it certainly gives us something to think about.

I currently lift weights for my legs once weekly, in addition to my regular running and cycling workouts. It definitely affects me, as I can't lift before a hard riding day or my performance definitely suffers.

[creekster]

I have always thought that weight training was for the off season and that once you strted again on the road the weights stopped. It seems like it would also depend on the type weight training and the aprt of the leg being worked, as you point out. When I have done it in the past it has always helped my quads feel stronger. I have never raced so as to know if it made me faster.

[John McClain]

I came across this article abstract this morning while I was glancing at the RBR newsletter.

I don't have access to the whole article, but it says basically that compared with a control group that continued with their standard cycling program, the variable group of cyclists that did a 3x/week strengthening program in addition to their cycling program, showed no improvement in a 30km max test and actually showed decreased 1km sprint performance. They did have a higher 1 rep squat max performance as compared to the control group.

From what I've read, most coaches are split right down the middle as to whether they recommend separate resistance training to improve cycling performance. I can't remember which book I read it in, but Levi Leipheimer and Max Testa (his coach) were often at odds as to whether Levi should be lifting weights. Max wanted him to, Levi didn't want to.

Its a very small sample size (14 total cyclists) and we don't know whether there was a tapering period following a hard weight training session and the max test, so I don't think that we can conclude that their findings are definitive by an means, but it certainly gives us something to think about.

I currently lift weights for my legs once weekly, in addition to my regular running and cycling workouts. It definitely affects me, as I can't lift before a hard riding day or my performance definitely suffers.

This is a conundrum that has been around for a long while. Anectodally, I will tell you that I can leg press a significant amount for legs that are as slender as mine, but it does not seem to translate to great sprint power or climbing ability. I personally believe that weight training that is focused on core strength is great for cycling; but that the best training for cycling "legs" is to cycle. Like Lance says - "what am I on? I'm on my bike six hours a day."