The Secret of Cycling

How much power does your human engine have? How much power do you need for cycling in different conditions? How can you optimize your training and racing performance? How can you use power meters to improve your results? What are the ultimate limits of human performance?



The Secret of Cycling answers all of these questions. All factors determining the performance in cycling are explained step by step: training, nutrition, body weight, bike weight, wheels, frame, aerobars, power meters, wind, hills, temperature, the world hour record and much more. Many graphs, tables and examples from practice make it very easy to understand for the reader. Get 20% fitter, healthier and faster! This title also contains brand new insights on how the balance of the power of your human engine and the power requirement for cycling in different conditions determines your performance. It shows how power meters can be used to optimize your training and your race result. Being already a bestseller in the Netherlands and Belgium, The Secret of Cycling can be considered the ultimate textbook for all serious cyclists and their coaches.



Hans van Dijk is a lifelong runner and scientist. After retiring from his professorship at Delft University of Technology, he has been studying the laws of running and cycling, developing new concepts and models and writing books and columns on running, cycling and other endurance sports. He has developed the running and cycling calculators, enabling the readers to analyze and calculate their own performances.



Ron van Megen is a lifelong runner, engineer and managing director. He is keen on quantifying his results and on using all new technologies, including power meters. He has taken many of the photographs in the book.



Guido Vroemen is a cyclist and triathlete and a sports physician. He is the team doctor and coach of the Dutch Pro-Continental Cycling Team Roompot-Oranje Peloton. He is the owner of a Sports Medical and Performance Centre and combines this with many training and coaching activities (several elite cyclists, Ironman triathletes, the Dutch Triathlon Association). His expertise is in the field of exercise physiology and also in training and racing with power meters.