Why cyclists like to get high

We all know that training at altitude is meant to improve your cycling. But how high is too high, and how long is necessary to stay in the mountains - or inside a tent - to achieve any real benefit?

In the latest Form & Fitness feature on Cyclingnews, an expert on altitude training, Dr John Hellemans, answers the most commonly-asked questions about altitude training.

And as all non-climbers readily admit, the best part of riding in the mountains is descending. In the article, there are also details on what is possibly the longest descent in the world - how does some 4,345 of pure altitude drop in one day's riding sound? Certainly, there has to be some reward to gasping to the starting point at over 5300 metres. For more details, see The highs and lows of altitude training.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1