“In competitive sport, athletes and their teams are always seeking solutions to improve performance resulting numbers of prohibited abuses and practices ... cycling is no exception to this rule.

Postural and functional optimization is such a large area of research.

Many mechanical aspects are studied (bike settings, air penetration, etc...) but the study of anatomical asymmetries of the cyclist (limb length inequality, functional asymmetry) is a rare practice, it is the axis research we chose.

As soon as one studies these functional improvement issues two issues become apparent:

  • on the one hand, good mechanical sense implies that a cyclist carrying an anatomical asymmetry necessarily loses in performance.
  • on the other hand, the scientific current state attesting that today no evidence confirms this theory.

In current practice with different professional cycling teams, we initiate a series of studies to try to scientifically objectify the impact of a mechanical correction through orthotics on the cyclist gesture and mechanical efficiency.

The sporting rivalry between the different teams covering the work of professional secrecy, although conducted in laboratory conditions, this work necessarily have never been subject to any publication.

But the French Federation of cycling take credits to investigate the impact of insole modifications on the current cycling pain, and their consequences on the performance and the efficiency of power production on the bike …

With this lecture, we show the emergence of quantifiable objective elements to establish a systematic screening of our riders to propose rational individual solutions.

by Mr. Marc Retali