Top riders in the peloton are getting skinnier and skinnier: "This downward trend could have consequences"

The University of Bern sounds the proverbial alarm bell because of a study into the BMI of cyclists. Just before the first Grand Tour of the year, the Giro d'Italia, it has become apparent that the top riders are losing more and more weight. The university would like to see the UCI take measures to prevent problems, partly because the consequences could be dire.

The scientists on duty examined the height and weight data of cyclists over the past thirty years (1992-2022). This showed that the BMI has decreased considerably from 22.12 to 20.13. Researcher Alexander Smith explains the results in the study. "So far it's not unhealthy or indicative of any future health problems, but it's a cause for concern." The "normal" BMI values should be between 18,5 and 25, according to WHO (World Health Organization).

Smith continues: “This declining trend in BMI could have implications for riders and regulators,” Smith added. "This is because performance pressure can lead to harmful behavior, with possible negative consequences for the health of the riders, both in the short and long term."

In 2020, Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) spoke candidly about keeping weight as a GC rider. "Locating to about seventy kilos is quite easy, the last one or two kilos are the heaviest. Obsessive might be an overstatement, but I'm always aware of what I'm doing. It takes me a lot of effort to get to the required weight. That is by far the most difficult aspect when I am preparing myself to perform in stage races."