Show #224 – December 13, 2014

Guests: Greg LeMond & Dr. Mark Hom; Jose Alcala

Sometimes, when you least expect it, things just fall into place and this week was one of those times.

Unbeknownst to me, a book was being written that would not only explain in detail who he is, but along with a prominent medical professional, why his career came to an early end.

This week, Elsevier Press released The Science of Fitness: Power, Performance, and Endurance, by 3-time Tour de France Champion Greg LeMond and Dr. Mark Hom; and, instead of an interview that rehashes the same questions he has been asked umpteen times, we were able to delve into who Greg LeMond is, what his racing strategies were (and are), and why this book might just be the best explanation of how to achieve lifelong fitness and good health.

After the hunting accident that almost killed him, Greg began to experience symptoms that were not explainable in any normal medical way until he had a biopsy that showed his Mitochrondria was being irrevocably impaired by the lead pellets that remained after the accident.  He was experiencing severe lead poisoning at his very core.

Dr. Mark Hom was especially able to relate to Greg LeMond in ways other athletes and medical professionals could not: he is not only a biologist, medical illustrator, and physician, as well as an avid cyclist who rides over 4,000 miles a year, his specialty is Mitochondrial diseases.

The conversation is lively, informative, and fun.

In the second half of the show, we talk with SRAM Technical Director of Neutral Race Support Jose Alcala.

Growing up in Michigan, Jose had the distinct privilege of working with one of the legends of cycling, Mike Walden. Famous for his ability to pick winning cyclists, Mike Walden taught much of what he knew to riders like Jose; and, from his experiences riding and racing for Mike on the famed Schwinn Wolverine Sports Club team, Jose went on to become a first class coach and mechanic.

Today, he manages the fleet of specially equipped Volvo wagons that make up the U.S. SRAM NRS support team. I ask Jose about neutral race support, the state of racing then and now, and what we might expect to see in the upcoming race season.

Fasten those toe clips folks – it’s going to be on helluva ride!