Quite an interesting discussion, I think. I'd just like to add that it's a good idea to consider what muscles may benefit a cyclist and which muscles he (or she) doesn't need.
I would say that lower back muscles are useful and certainly some loading of the thighs and hips (possibly during cycles in training) should be a point of consideration. The only possible danger I can see could be if a road bike rider develops too many of the wrong fibres in the leg muscles via squats or leg-presses. This is why I was curious about pro riders and how they might incorporate a weights program.
I think that developing pectoral and lat muscles could cause problems for a cyclist due to the fact he may not need these muscles and any muscle mass that results would add a few extra pounds in weight to a bike that has been modified to be as light as possible. Muscle still weighs pretty heavy. Myself I'm definitely a bit top heavy at present and I can''t really kid myself I wouldn't be better off shedding a little upper body muscle mass, as well as a little bit of fat round my waist. However, the plus is my legs are really durable and my lower back is very strong these days.
Sure, though, there is a valid argument for sticking to cycling as a purist and I don't knock it. I mean, to be a good climber you can definitely get good by simply climbing e.t.c. However, I have a gut feeling you might find cyclists such as Vinikurov and Ullrich probably place more emphasis on weights than riders such as Mayo just because Russia and the old Eastern block countries have always considered weight training as beneficial. I once trained in Russia and there were lots of guys in the gym who did skiing and squatted quite seriously.
Any thoughts?
I would say that lower back muscles are useful and certainly some loading of the thighs and hips (possibly during cycles in training) should be a point of consideration. The only possible danger I can see could be if a road bike rider develops too many of the wrong fibres in the leg muscles via squats or leg-presses. This is why I was curious about pro riders and how they might incorporate a weights program.
I think that developing pectoral and lat muscles could cause problems for a cyclist due to the fact he may not need these muscles and any muscle mass that results would add a few extra pounds in weight to a bike that has been modified to be as light as possible. Muscle still weighs pretty heavy. Myself I'm definitely a bit top heavy at present and I can''t really kid myself I wouldn't be better off shedding a little upper body muscle mass, as well as a little bit of fat round my waist. However, the plus is my legs are really durable and my lower back is very strong these days.
Sure, though, there is a valid argument for sticking to cycling as a purist and I don't knock it. I mean, to be a good climber you can definitely get good by simply climbing e.t.c. However, I have a gut feeling you might find cyclists such as Vinikurov and Ullrich probably place more emphasis on weights than riders such as Mayo just because Russia and the old Eastern block countries have always considered weight training as beneficial. I once trained in Russia and there were lots of guys in the gym who did skiing and squatted quite seriously.
Any thoughts?