Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a world-class cyclist.James Witts invites you into the world of marginal gains to discover the innovative training techniques, nutrition strategies and cutting-edge gear that are giving today's elite cyclists the competitive advantage. Find out why Formula One telemetry is key to more bike speed; how power meters dictate training sessions and race strategy; how mannequins, computational fluid dynamics and wind-tunnels are elevating aerodynamics to the next level; why fats and training on water alone are popular in the peloton; and why the future of cycling will involve transcranial brain stimulation and wearable technology. With contributions from the world's greatest riders, including Marcel Kittel, Peter Sagan and Bauke Mollema, and the teams that work alongside them: Etixx-Quick Step, Team Sky, Tinkoff, Movistar, BMC Racing, Trek-Segafredo and many more. Also meet the teams' sports scientists, coaches, nutritionists and chefs, who reveal the pioneering science that separates Contador and Cancellara from the recreational rider.To win the Tour de France takes stamina, speed, strength . . . and science.

Fun, engaging exploration of the science behind the success

The Prologue1 Power Meters: The Birthplace of Modern Cycling2 Bike Fitting: Position, Prepare, Perform3 Fuelling Up to the Tour4 Training for the Tour5 Bike and Wheel Innovation6 Supplementing Speed: Clothing, Helmets and Saddles7 In Search of Oxygen8 Pyrenees and Alps: Ascending to the Gods9 Race Fuelling10 Rapid Recovery11 Beat the Heat12 Marginal Gains 2.0GlossaryIndexPicture Credits