In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at what might be one of cycling’s most sacred cows- altitude training. If you believe that altitude training is basically compulsory for elite cyclists, we invite you to have an open mind and embrace a skeptical mindset as we take a closer look at this common intervention. Our aim here is to highlight some of the lesser known detriments of altitude training and help cyclists consider if the outcome is truly worth the cost, effort, and risk- because for some riders, it might actually do more harm than good!

But if we’re going to challenge the status quo, we wanted to make sure we spoke to someone who had the expertise, background, credentials, and zero conflict of interest. This is how we ended up talking with Professor Jerome Dempsey. Jerry is a world-renowned respiratory physiologist with nearly 60 years of experience in applied physiology research, 400+ scientific articles to his name, and a penchant for closely examining the claims made about training endurance athletes in hypoxia.

Are the benefits of altitude training as good as the habits of the pros might have us believe? Does everyone benefit from altitude training? What are the drawbacks? Could we improve the intervention’s outcomes? If the benefits are truly not worth the cost, what would it take to change the culture and attitudes toward altitude training? Check out this episode to get insight into these questions and more!

Guest panelist:
Jerome Dempsey, Ph.D.
UW-Wisconsin Staff Page
Researchgate

Episode References:
Hypoxic Training Is Beneficial in Elite Athletes

Hypoxic Training Is Not Beneficial in Elite Athletes

Humans In Hypoxia: A Conspiracy Of Maladaptation?!

“Living high-training low”: effect of moderate-altitude acclimatization with low-altitude training on per-formance

Concurrent Heat and Intermittent Hypoxic Training: No Additional Performance Benefit Over Temperate Training

Evidence that heat acclimation training may alter sleep and incidental activity

Video w/Chris Gore: Discussion - Session 2, Altitude Training and Team Sports Conference Aspetar, Doha - Qatar, 24 & 25 March 2013

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