Continuous Lactate Monitors: The Next Big Thing

Alright, best get ready for a shakeup in the world of sports tech! Continuous lactate monitors (CLM), predicted to be the biggest revolution since heart rate monitors, are knocking on the pro peloton's door. According to Iñigo San Millán, director of performance at UAE Team Emirates, these wearable sensors would allow athletes, particularly cyclists, to record real-time data on their lactate levels. In a nutshell, this means getting a better gauge on body metabolites key for performance, like how hard a cyclist is pushing themselves or when they might risk exhaustion. Who needs power meters or heart rate monitors when you've got live blood lactate levels on your wrist?

Shifting The Testing Grounds

Now, lactate testing isn't new. Our pedal-pushing friends have been using this method for years, though it traditionally involved occasional lab tests. But things are shifting; cyclists are starting to take the reins. Rather than waiting around for their next lab session, they're now checking their lactate levels mid-route with an earlobe or finger pinprick test. This self-monitoring trend could be a game-changing evolution for athlete training, giving real-time feedback and a clearer picture of their performance in action.

The Race For The First CLM: Who Will Win?

While these biosensors sound super exciting, there is a bit of a catch – they aren't quite ready for commercial use yet. Several companies are reportedly working on producing the first of these devices, but nothing is available just yet. There's also the not-so-small matter of the UCI's ban on biosensors in competition, although this doesn't extend to training. Regardless, it seems pro cyclists are eager to get their hands on these devices, with the expectation that they could significantly enhance training effectiveness and precision.

Is Science Stealing The Sport's Soul?

I'm all for using technology to maximize our potential, but I'm sure there are those that who have their objections. Is this yet another step towards making sports overly scientific and mechanical? The question arrises whether we are neglecting the love of the sport by slapping a number on every single aspect of our physical activity. The spontaneous rush you get when you go for that extra mile, the uncertainty of not knowing if you're going to reach the finish line - isn't that all part of the game we fell in love with? It's something to ponder, folks. Now, let's brace ourselves for this wave of continuous lactate monitors and the race of the bio-trackers.

That's all folks ✌️ Thanks for reading!