The Cycling Science
Knowledge Base
A living, curated library of cycling science — built on peer-reviewed research, synthesised against the existing body of knowledge, and rated by evidence quality. Not just a reading list. A structured understanding of what we actually know.
Not a database. A synthesis.
There is no shortage of cycling science research. The problem is that it is scattered across hundreds of journals, written for academic audiences, and almost never connected to what came before it. A new paper on interval training doesn't tell you how it sits alongside the previous 30 years of interval training research.
The Cycling Science Knowledge Base solves that. Every paper is synthesised against the existing evidence across its domain — so you always know whether a finding confirms established consensus, adds new nuance, or challenges what we thought we knew.
Built and curated by Prof. Richard Davison, drawing on 30+ years of research experience and 50+ peer-reviewed publications, the KB is the foundation for everything the Cycling Science platform produces — podcast episodes, blog articles, and coaching decisions.
How it works
A systematic, repeatable process for turning raw research into structured, actionable knowledge.
Papers are ingested weekly
Every week, new research from leading cycling science journals is reviewed, assessed for quality, and added to the KB with structured metadata.
Evidence is graded and synthesised
Each paper is rated for evidence quality and synthesised against the existing body of knowledge — noting what it confirms, adds, or challenges.
Domains evolve continuously
12 knowledge domains are updated as new evidence arrives. Consensus positions, contested areas, and open questions are tracked over time.
Practical implications are extracted
Every synthesis entry includes practical implications — what the research actually means for training, coaching, and performance.
12 knowledge domains
The full breadth of cycling science — from physiology to tactics, nutrition to technology.
Race Demands & Discipline Analysis
The physiological and tactical demands of road, track, MTB, gravel, and time trial disciplines.
Physiology & Power Determinants
VO₂max, lactate threshold, power output, and the physiological foundations of cycling performance.
Performance Testing & Monitoring
Validated testing protocols, ergometry, field testing, and athlete monitoring systems.
Training Theory & Prescription
Periodisation, intensity distribution, training load, recovery, and evidence-based programme design.
Biomechanics, Position & Aerodynamics
Rider position, bike fit, pedalling mechanics, and aerodynamic optimisation.
Nutrition, Fuelling & Body Composition
Carbohydrate and fat metabolism, fuelling strategies, hydration, and weight management.
Environmental Physiology
Heat, altitude, cold, and air quality — the physiological responses and adaptation strategies.
Pacing Strategy & Tactics
Optimal pacing models, energy distribution, and race decision-making frameworks.
Special Populations
Masters athletes, juniors, female cyclists, para-cyclists, and athletes with health conditions.
Technology & AI in Cycling
Power meters, smart trainers, wearables, and the application of AI to training and performance.
Health, Wellbeing & Injury
Overtraining, cardiac health, injury prevention, and the long-term health consequences of cycling.
Coaching Science & Practice
Coaching methodology, pedagogy, athlete-coach relationships, and the science of skill development.
Who it's for
Coaches
Stay current with the research without reading every paper. Know which findings are well-established, which are contested, and which change how you should be coaching.
Athletes
Understand the science behind your training — not in academic language, but in terms of what it means for how you should actually train, fuel, and recover.
Exercise scientists
A structured overview of where the evidence stands across every domain of cycling science — useful for research scoping, literature reviews, and identifying gaps.
Be first to access the Knowledge Base
The Cycling Science Knowledge Base will be available as a subscription. Register your interest now and you'll be notified as soon as access opens — along with early access pricing.
Join the waitlistNo spam. One email when it launches.