Professional cycling faces structural issues with eating disorders

Professional cycling faces a structural issue regarding eating disorders and the pursuit of optimal racing weight. Research suggests that between 5 and 20 percent of professional athletes are affected by these issues.

Medical experts identify this condition as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which occurs when there is a chronic gap between energy intake and the high caloric expenditure required for training and competition. The consequences of RED-S include decreased performance, depression, and significantly reduced bone density.

German cyclist Clara Koppenburg shared her experience of suffering from these issues, noting that she experienced no menstrual bleeding for a period of six years. Nutritionist Karsten Köhler from the Technical University of Munich highlighted the systemic difficulties of maintaining adequate nutrition during demanding multi-stage races.