In the latest SBS cycling podcast, heart surgeon La Gerche delves into the remarkable adaptations in the hearts of elite cyclists. He explains that the hearts of world-class cyclists can be two to four times larger than those of non-athletes, a result of both genetics and extensive training. This combination of factors shapes the hearts of elite athletes, enhancing their performance and health.
We think it's a bit of both: genetics and training that influence heart size.
Dr. La Gerche discusses the potential of using heart size and function as indicators of an athlete's performance, which could revolutionise how teams scout and train their athletes. He also addresses the critical issue of cardiac arrest in athletes, particularly those transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle, emphasising the importance of heart health monitoring and proactive management, especially for middle-aged men.
We could do ultrasounds on people in the third week of the Tour and say, this person's in trouble.
In the second part of the podcast, the team analyses the return to victory for Caleb Ewan, and the recent results of the international calendar.
