Is the build of an elite cyclist a healthy one?

Is the build of an elite cyclist a healthy one?

After coming across these photos on solo break blog i’m starting to feel ok about my problem of packing too much upper body on this winter. I'm still a skinny guy by most peoples standards but huge compared to these guys.


Pic: Tyler Hamilton using medical tape to hold his weak rib cage together

Pic: Michael Rasmussen using all his strength to put a sock on.


I think theses photos raise the question, is the build of an elite cyclist a healthy one. the gentlemen in these photos look like they are fragile and sick. No question that are incredible athletes and are super fast on their bikes but at what cost. They are so specialized for the sport of cycling that any muscles that aren’t needed to ride faster are considered useless oxygen sucking dead weight. I’m not a doctor but I’m guessing this must have some long term negative effects (lower bone density ? being more frail as a old man?) I don’t know for sure, I’m just saying it doesn’t look healthy.