University of Granada launches Cycling Research Center to bring elite science to amateur cyclists

The University of Granada has created the Cycling Research Center (CRC), a national initiative that aims to transfer the scientific methods, training protocols, nutrition advice, technology and artificial‑intelligence tools used by professional cycling teams to everyday amateur riders. The project is led by Professor Mikel Zabala Díaz, a former performance director and head coach of the Movistar Team and a former national coach for Spain’s under‑23 road and mountain‑bike squads. CRC brings together researchers from Granada and other universities, including experts in sport science, health, psychology, nutrition and AI, to provide online resources, data‑driven training plans and AI‑based performance analytics.

Zabala said that “science changes knowledge, but it rarely changes the actual training of a rider who goes out on a Sunday,” highlighting the need to bridge research and everyday practice. The centre’s website went live on Thursday, offering tools for individual cyclists, teams and cycling organisations across Spain.