Cyclist VS Runner: Who's The Better Athlete?

Who is a better athlete, a cyclist or a runner? Both are known for their incredible aerobic fitness, amazing endurance, and twig-like physique... But who will be better when they have to do the other sport? To find out, we challenged a non-cycling runner to a race with our non-running cyclist, Alex!
0:00 - Intro
4:47 - The cycle
8:39 - The run
14:36 - The results!
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Who do you think proved to be the better athlete? 👀 Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! 💬
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[@gcn]

Who do you think proved to be the better athlete? 👀 Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! 👇

[@-es2bf]

Make a video on how much cycling benefits running and how much running benefits cycling.

[@cauldron101]

Due to having time only once a week for a 2 hr + ride, I run 7 km twice a week. Running gas improved my VO2 max, but did not improve dramatically my cycling performance. It seems as if running and cycling are two completely different worlds.

[@peterfranzjr.1190]

Alfred, your running form is hilarious. I'm a long time GCN viewer. I'm more of a runner then triathlete then cyclist then mtn biker. My first duathlon in 2010 was a huge wake up call about the necessity to pace yourself properly.

[@o-tessaneck9399]

One point to the test - I'd go both ways. Bike -> run and then run -> bike. Would be interesting to see the effect of being trained to one kind of fatigue and how it affects the performance in another sport.

[@umfilmmaker8253]

For the most part, cycling is not a weight bearing exercise. The runner carries the entire weight of his body every time he runs. Therefore, a runner will always be more fit. That said, cycling is a better long-term sport for that exact reason. Great cardio, and much better for your joints. I went back to power walking, and light weight training to compliment my cycling, so that I reduce the risk of osteoporosis, etc… with some weight bearing exercise. It has been a nice compromise.

[@philipcooper8297]

A shark can swim faster than me, but I can run faster than a shark… So in a triathlon, it would all come down to who is the better cyclist.

[@shortspecimen]

😂

[@simseysimona2762]

Depending on the shark's type and appetite you may not get to the bike section.... 😂

[@paulaltena]

In a triathlon the swim comes first, sorry for you. 😢😊

[@cilldaracyclist2822]

😂😂😂

[@Roboturnerlol]

@@philipcooper8297 you make joke, they make joke

[@user-pt6qm7py7i]

Was a runner for 36 years, having run over 90,000 miles over that time. Then my left knee forced me to stop running and take up cycling. Those many years and miles allowed me to almost immediately begin riding with groups I shouldn’t have been able to stay up with, especially at age 61. Running produced amazing leg strength and heart/lung conditioning. Cycling is so much easier on the body.

[@2ball434]

I'm not sure if you already know this but. Heel strike could be the main cause of knee pain rather than old age. I used to have bad knee pain until I realised it was cause I landed on my heels, switched to landing on my forefoot and all the pain was gone. Gym work could also remedy knee pain.

[@johnlantz7278]

Faster or slower it’s all good fun as a rider an runner, bikes let me enjoy my early morning runs with biking just hope in the future cars an cyclists can co existing without malice for either,

[@Skyum123]

I read years ago that you can run yourself a better cyclist, but you cant bike yourself a better runner.

[@TheMrDocMorris]

@@2ball434it could be the case but you should not recommend people to change their stride if you haven’t seen them run. Many professional marathoners are heel strikers, and heel striking being bad by itself is simply not true.

[@Bozza36]

Running is definitely harder (aerobically speaking), but a fit cyclist can be a fast runner, whereas a fit runner generally lacks the power to become a good cyclist.

[@miguelcpt]

I am a cyclist for many years but recently started running in the winter to avoid cleaning my bike/damage to my components/safety issues. I believe that running is way harder than cycling. You spend a lot of time in your head and learning to pace yourself. Doing both now and enjoying both.

[@fenbops]

Same here. I enjoy both for different reasons. Cycling is my favourite but running is more productive when you have less time. I’ve been angry cycling into a headwind for miles and never been angry running no matter the weather 😂

[@gcn]

Awesome to hear you are enjoying mixing things up, do you think your running is improving your cycilng? 👀

[@elmerrichardson6413]

I recently got back into running to help with weight loss. I cycle as well (since 2017). I find running helps me maintain leg strength for cycling and I've always enjoyed doing it. Sometimes its hard for me to do both consistently, especially in the spring/summer time when I do a lot of group rides.

[@aliancemd]

Running is like doing TT all the time, pacing is critical

[@BloodyClash]

exactly that is the problem. the time you spend in your brain. depending on your psychological condition that can really make running hard

[@DamirUlovec]

21:29 for 4,5 km is a MASSIVE effort for someone not in the running world. Well done!

[@TheTrain2002]

So I am a elite runner who has been transitioning to cycling. One of the biggest difference between cycling and running is how with cycling while you are going the entire time, you are able to find small breaks ( going around turns, down hills). These breaks you are able to reduce the load on your legs and still be able to gain speed. In running, you are always having to put down force and you don’t really ever get the same type of breaks like you are able to do with cycling, because even when you get turns and down hills if your legs aren’t used to it then the impact and extra force is going to wear you out just as much as running flat. The aerobic fitness is going to be slightly better with cyclist (Jonas Tdf winner has vo2 of 97, kipchoge has vo2 of 90) but with running you have the impact which makes it a lot more taxing on your body

[@raphaelkinney]

As just a hobby trail runner who also just picked up a hand-me-down bike over the last few months it's this. It's basically that you can get "free distance" while cruising on a bike not doing anything whereas with running you are always required to put down some level of impact in order to progress at all. I thoroughly enjoy both as it's just different ways to connect with the ground and each can get you to see things or get to places that the other might not.

[@sertyuhg]

It depends on what kind of cycling you do. Climbing is much harder on a bike because of gravity and the rolling property of tires of course, also keeping 25 mph on flat terrain is not easy. Cycling is one of those sports that can be very approachable or very hard depending on how hard you push it

[@mlambrechts1]

A track cycling bike does not allow you to halt your legs, though, especially when you're on a time race. I suppose this is the cycling equivalent to running.

[@carterc5805]

When you stop running you're walking, when you stop pedaling you're still riding a bike.

[@sertyuhg]

@@carterc5805 I have seen many runners that run at my fast walking speed. What is running speed to you?

[@Swoxx]

What a fantastic guest! Seems like a nice chap and comfortable on camera too. Would be fun to see him in more videos!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it! For something else with a bit of competition, why not check out our 'KOM hunters' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/KOM

[@Swoxx]

@@gcn already watched it and "felt the full effect of the tour" on GCN+ 😉

[@Ohtaror]

Fully agree, I'd love a sequel after they both had a bit of training by an expert. Also, I think the bike part should be around 4 or 4.5 times longer than the run, not just twice.

[@cruachan1191]

I do a bit of both of late (been running 10Ks for about 10 years, relatively new back at cycling) and in my limited experience I find it easier to transition from running to cycling than the other way round. Whilst a cyclist is generally strong in the legs and fit aerobically, nothing but training prepares your feet and legs for the impact of running

[@fenbops]

Agreed. Running is tougher on the body.

[@bobicabayo]

Agree

[@danjo1967]

Agree. when you do both, you understand this. but a pure cyclist has too much ego clouding their judgement.

[@franciscotoro9454]

...and also they do not have the habit of getting contribution from the arms, which is critical in running.

[@mlambrechts1]

Cyclists are notorious bad runners, and if they are doing competition they should avoid it to save their knee joints and ankles. Both of these sports can be really harsh (eg Tour de France, eg Marathons,...) Marc from Belgium.

[@JeffersonIBD]

Great video. I remember when I first tried running I said to myself - I can easily cycle for many hours so how hard can a 30min run be? The answer was a red faced wheezing mess who had to stop after 15mins to avoid being sick!

[@gcn]

Hahah yeah it's a moment of truth after thinking that 😂

[@maxscriptguru]

As a runner for many decades before I took up cycling, I can say that you have to cycle 2 to 3 to 4 times as long as a run to get the equivalent of a run. Running is a more concentrated form of aerobic exercise.

[@848evo4]

as a old fat guy I believe you. I can cycle 30 miles non stop, but not sure I can run a 1/4 mile

[@DanielHernandezRivera]

I have to sort of disagree with you. I think cyclists in general take it a lot easier than runners because running doesn't really allow you to cruise. However, if you are able to push yourself and ride very hard, you can get an equivalently hard workout in the same time.. it's just your average cyclist doesn't.

[@farikkun1841]

And running also harder on joint

[@robertolsen9721]

That's also my opinion. I have done both. I was walking at 7 km/hours recently and that felt like cruising at the bike with 25-27 km/hour

[@kevankerdcycling8184]

Exactly what Daniel wrote. Many cyclists just like to take it easy, which can be done on a bike on flat or not too steep roads. If you push yourself on the bike it can be equally hard work, especially if you ride technical XC stuff up and down you can get pretty exhausted in a hour. A good example is the XCC (Cross country short track) which is around 20mins long and elite MTBers are falling off their bikes at the finish line. Running is definitely harder on the body though, no doubt about that!

[@secretbrad9259]

The pain Alex is in on the run is hilarious and a well known feeling to me! Always amazes me how a runner can do what they just did and was not even out of breath!

[@gcn]

Pretty crazy right! We think GTN might cook something up for Alex 😈

[@seanm7553]

The guy weighs 120 pounds.

[@glennrebillard3840]

I do both regularly and quite aggressively for my age. One advantage the runner will have is that they're typically lighter and can therefore immediately benefit from this when crossing over to cycling. However, the slightly heavier weight of the cyclist is detrimental when switching to running. Cycling needs bigger, stronger leg muscles, and the running needs low weight and strong cardio. Also, cranking out any sort of improvements in cycling becomes exponentially harder due to the extreme wind resistance, so you tend not to appreciate the difference as much.

[@misolo]

Technically, it's cubically harder, not exponentially harder. 😜

[@aajfranklin]

Tough one. Alex was definitely a better cyclist than Alex. But then, Alex was a better runner than Alex. Clear to me that overall, all things considered, Alex was the top performer here. Signed, Alex.

[@shawnreynolds2705]

Dang! My parents would have to name me Shawn☹

[@etherealicer]

Well, Alex with the longer strides, clearly the better technique. And of course Alex also had the better position on the bike... So, yeah, Alex takes the cake.

[@gcn]

Great day to be Alex 🙌

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Good to see a GCN presenter actually prepared with a Shadow Stand, and not just a stick and a rock. 😅

[@wurzlitzer]

Yeah watched Si’s video on the canyons and he used a stick again for propping up really expensive bikes I have noticed Si always stays low and near to the bikes but now I realise it’s coz the bike is propped up with a stick he wants to able to catch it maybe

[@gcn]

Si wasn't involved with this one 😉

[@hobscotch6161]

100% cyclist here but had a hiatus into running a few years back, found running was great for getting a lot done in a shorter period but it took a lot to get my body adapted to running and getting shoes that worked was a headache. I ended up trail running way more than road and I found that it caused less repetitive strain on calfs etc plus I felt the time went a lot quicker for a given distance as I was always trying to negotiate obstacles. It was this fact I went back to cycling full time as my local trails back then were in Epping forest and during the winter they become a absolute bog and I hated running on the road. I do miss the simplicity and the cost factor of not having to buy expensive cycle equipment, If I lived in a better climate I could easily see me doing way more running.

[@franciscotoro9454]

Trail running is far easier on the joints and is also more demanding due to changes in terrain. It also offers a much nicer environment that allows for a stronger sustained pace.

[@kvalvagnes]

Run is much harder if you are not used to it - I used to be a runner - but cycle now due to heavy body - its no real problem - but running as heavy is pure torture.... But if you dont get injuries (run in terrain or variable dirt roads) running is the best way of getting/keeping in shape... you have to lose weight - and you can do it everywhere - its more time effective and much cheaper.

[@rajavidhun]

As a former marathoner starting to bike, biking is a lot easier. Switching back to my favorite sport Tennis meant now I could not afford to put more stress on the knees by running. Biking is a splendid way to maintain fitness without the down side of impact

[@user-fy7ri8gu8l]

Eh, but all the highest vo2maxes are held by cyclists, not runners. cycling is "easier" on you in the sense that it's not high impact like running but all that translates to is crazier ultra and top end events in cycling than running promoters could ever dream of getting underwritten because they don't have to worry about breaking the athletes when keeping them in the 'pain cave' longer.

[@seniorAlfredo]

Of course cycling is easier if you go 30km/h or only doing downhills. its like jogging 10min/km for 6 miles and saying running is easy. Both are equaly hard if you do them both correctly.

[@jakbink]

I never comment, but I absolutely must see a marathon vs a 200k from you guys, loved that video as someone who loves both running and cycling 😂

[@gcn]

Which do you think would be the easier one?

[@sugonmaballs]

​​@@gcnHaving ran a couple marathons and rode a couple Gran Fondos and gravel events, the marathons are def harder.

[@DanielHernandezRivera]

@@gcn 200k is much easier and it's not particularly close. I would say the cycling equivalent of a marathon is more like a double imperial century.

[@ReX-xt2q]

@@gcn A 200K on bike is easier than a marathon by foot. You GCN guys and gals are fit, so you might very well be able to do the marathon faster, but you will more tired than Alex after a 200 K on a bike.

[@stephenspencer8839]

​@@DanielHernandezRiveraTop runners cover a marathon distance in 2 hours plus change, where as in a similar time pro cyclists cover between 80 and 100km. As a cyclist this distance is a Sunday morning spin, do runners do a marathon every weekend?

[@bikelawman]

I *really* enjoyed this because it resonated - Couple of years back a friend who runs said he wanted to do a 100-mile ride and long story short: I did with him as an outrider at his PACE to help him ‘round. But he asked me to do a 5km run with him at the start of him doing a half-marathon training run - it nearly killed me! Couldn’t walk properly for two days and I thought I’m bound to be able to crank out a 5km given the leg strength you develop doing hundred mile rides. My view: runners are the better athletes mainly because they have no option to rest and conserve - cyclist can free-wheel on hills if they need to for respite. Running is just relentless.

[@visitken]

Great episode that answers a question I've often asked myself. I'd like to see comparisons in the future against other types of high-level amateur athletes!

[@barrycorney3665]

Only downside with my bike is deluding myself over workload (power meter and WahooX/SYSTM help with that).... When you run there's no freewheeling, no easy bits as you're carrying the full load. I used to run back in the 90's, but just got really bored with it, the bike can take you out further and for longer and is more interactive than plod, plod ,plod....but each to their own eh?

[@barrycorney3665]

FWIW too, I don't think everyone is cut out for distance running, another ectomorph discipline. I got my old Nike "Skylons" analysed (ie by eye) in '92 and was informed there was negligible wear to the heel and all wear was on the forefoot- I was told I was running(jogging more like, best 10k race was 48mins) like a sprinter, and nobody did shoes to cater for that, all for "heel striking" (funny how they realised that heel striking was unnatural and tried to re-train runners as forefoot strikers with the advent of "Newton" shoes).... Anyway...fast forward to my 4DP test on SYSTM and lo and behold I'm a "sprinter" yet again.... it's why I'm crap going up hills (Short, stocky....)

[@ryanmalpass7686]

Good video, very funny and Alex as a presenter has really come into his own!! 🤙🏻

[@gcn]

Thanks, glad you liked it! For a bit more competitive fun, why not check out our 'KOM hunters' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/KOM

[@Risayogi]

8:09 There’s also similar technique like drafting in running. In a group run, there’s pacer group. Running in group makes maintaining pace a lot easier. Also, in running race like full marathon, there are runners whose job is to pace the main star runner. One pacer leads the group and maintains certain pace, then peels away from the group after he/she is exhausted and then replaced by another pacer who takes turn leading the main runner. Much like domestique in cycling.

[@nuttycommuter3718]

This! It’s how Roger Bannister did the 4 minute mile

[@krehme]

Great fun! I regularly do both, so it's super fun to see Alex get that bike-run burn😉

[@robinseeberg3715]

Great video! Both cycling Alex and running Alex were great and I’d love to see more from the pair of them 🚴🏻🏃💨

[@steppenwolf2259]

Loved the vid, both guys were nice. I am an injured runner that took up cycling seriously for the first time this year. I have been cycling on and off since always but for the first time this year I have been learning and learning and it's a process so different from running. You have to learn all kinds of mechanical procedures, bike components and stuff. With running you literally just need to lace your shoes. I am now slowly transitioning into bikepacking, and will leave tomorrow for a big trip of 500 km. A marathon still sounds scarier but it would be hard (and fun)!

[@paulgibby6932]

My experience as a former runner who now cycles (age, bad knees) is that running got me fit, but to race well in both sports, the cyclist has to push him/herself into a discomfort zone that it isn't necessary to enter as a runner. When racing as a runner, I would push myself to a point just below the red zone. I didn't have to worry about drafting or running with a group (though is some windy races, that would be a good idea). But in cycling, you HAVE to keep up with a group, and you have to push yourself into the red zone sometimes to race successfully. So to me, that requires a higher level of perhaps anerobic fitness not required for marathoning, for example. Also as a cyclist, no matter what, I end up with a max cadence of high 70's rpm. To me, cranking faster just drains me -- puts me in the red zone. I'm a slow twitch guy, and I think alot of cyclists who are fast are fast-twitch. My impressions, not based on science :) Thanks for the vid. Very interesting.

[@TheMarkmoffat]

Very entertaining Sunday morning content. I had a good laugh. Thanks GCN.

[@gcn]

Thanks a lot! For another video with a challenge, why not check out our 'KOM hunters' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/KOM

[@kmetz878]

Such a nice guest, and the painful shuffle of a run Alex did was hilarious and also very relatable when you're tired and trying to keep up with someone faster than you. No drafting in running - just a mental tether to the person in front of you....if you can hold it. ;)

[@lukkevin]

Such a great video! I was cracking up while watching Alex suffered. Please do a rematch with bike / run mimicking the ratio of a triathlon race for a better comparison?

[@Z-u-m-a]

Solid video and idea. Main reason I took up cycling a couple of years ago was repeat injuries kept limiting how long/far I could run. Just couldn't get the efforts in without risk of it happening. It's been a joy to not have to worry about it.

[@gcn]

Are you managing to keep fit when cycling? 👀

[@deskotjes6536]

Super interesting video! I started out with cycling, then went into running and was initially absolute crap at it! The better I got at running the better I became at cycling, especially my climbing ability increased. Cycling then helps with running recovery. But I didn't find that cycling made me a stronger runner... sadly. (these observations were made on a very novice level for both sports though but seem to align with the findings in the video)

[@IceHockey08x]

Same for me. Thought my cycling fitness would help me a lot when I started to run some years ago... nope, it didn't. 😂

[@brunomfduque]

Too same for me !!!

[@nk-dw2hm]

​@@IceHockey08xI'd disagree, I started running after cycling for years and had no issues with maintaining a stable (slow) pace for up to an hour or more within a couple months. The stamina, heart, and lungs all benefitted me

[@bikecommuter24]

Same here I do both but to be honest cycling is more transport for me than fitness but they complement each other.

[@IceHockey08x]

@@nk-dw2hm Well okay, probably the pace thing factors in. If I would have started at a very low pace, just running very slow for a longer time, I would see the effect of the cycling. For me though, training for a 5k run, which was 2 month after starting with running, it didn't really help that much. I would start to run and was dead after 500m. 😄

[@ludwickeclemente9749]

Solid subject, mates! Recently married both by training and joining duathlon events. Amazing how biking and running helps each other for their respective fields. Still in love with my weekly epics, and running with my wife and mum for events. Ride and run safe to everyone. Cheers!

[@liamquila206]

I have the Rival version with same color etc. It’s my first road bike, so it’s good to hear that someone that has experience with road bikes likes it.

[@ongyikai1623]

i do both but more frequent to running and i like both. i seriously think that my daily running do help me a lot when it comes to cycling. Enjoyed for doing both activities. cheers!

[@veyliness]

So much joy, great efforts by both of you.

[@rachelharvey71]

Love Alex’s face during the run, he looks like a little kid chasing an ice cream truck 😂😂🥰

[@gcn]

How do you think we got him running! 🍦

[@stevenbird1431]

Great video guys!!! I think your both winners and as you say, different sports and different muscle groups👍

[@oling2812]

Great video! As both a runner and cyclist, in the cycling, I think you'd see huge differences in favour of the cyclists open up on hill climbs but not on a flat circuit as aero is so punishing at higher speeds so even if you can output ~35% more watts, this is only going to translate to ~10% more speed. Running on the other hand, doesn't have this issue so you can see the equivalent 'power' differences (for running) show as a true ~35% difference.

[@FRANK-pp4rn]

This. Climbing and descending take the most skill in cycling.

[@jorislal]

@@FRANK-pp4rn but the question was who's the better athlete, not a more skilled cyclist.

[@PhantomMs1]

loved this comparison! lets see the Century ride vs a Marathon!

[@AudunGrun]

Great job to both! I mostly run, but been cycling a lot this year for a Summer project and barely ran anything. Still PB'd on a 5k running race, so definitely some overlap in the training.

[@tanosaur_]

Great video, so funny watching Alex's struggle!

[@knitrundig4663]

I am a very very slow runner and scared of cycling so both Alexes were amazing to me. Would like to see more like this.

[@HikrisDopl]

So as a triathlete, and mainly a runner I have a certain opinion on this. I would say that cyclists and runners have a much different definition of fitness. When I bike in training, it’s never a cardiovascular struggle, except maybe up some hills, however my legs don’t have a lot of strength. Running is much more about cardio and while leg strength is important, it’s not the main factor. Simply put, bikers have much more leg strength while runners blow cyclists out the water with cardiovascular strength and endurance

[@TheSteinbitt]

Only because you’re a weak cyclist. If you were strong, lactate threshold would be 90%++ of VO2 max just like running.

[@danjo1967]

100% SPOT ON. you have won the comments

[@clairepalmer7148]

Mike Wood started as a middle distance runner before injury transitioned him to cycling. Tour de France stage win - successful transition! Can’t think of a comparable transition success from cycling to running.

[@gcn]

He certainly did a great job with it!

[@JK-el4up]

Excellent comparison ..well done guys !

[@martincornish1737]

Another brilliant video, great to see how someone from one discipline, can have a try at the other. Both of you did really well at each others event. I was a mid to decent level runner, (33min 10k, 75 min half, at my best), before I took a bad knee injury, which knocked me out of the sport for 5 years and a further achilies injury on top of that when I did come back, which was another 18 months out, to which I never fully regained my previous form. I transitioned to cycling,, after the achilies injury, on the advice of my physio, who said that it would help with my recovery, strengthen the leg, without the impact and stresses of running on the road, which it did and is what got me hooked on cycling. Now, I do mostly all cycling, with only a small bit of running, thrown in from time to time, but I enjoy both, albeit at a more relaxed pace now.

[@gcn]

Nice! Glad to hear that you've found a nice compromise!

[@fenbops]

10k in 33 mins isn’t decent. It’s bloody brilliant.

[@paulgowers6252]

Well done Alex for giving the running a go. And a very entertaining video.

[@gcn]

Cheers! What else would you like to see us do like this?

[@JB-sv2uc]

I do both but I find it takes about three hours to get the same level of workout as a 45-60min run. So I just run for convenience a lot, find it quite boring unless I'm running out on trails.

[@gcn]

That's a good point. A short run will give you more of a workout than a longer ride.

[@Eirikkinserdal]

How so? You can simply do more on the bike. So you can burn more calories in the long run. But if you are short on time, sure a run is more convenient. And if you are a cyclist running will give you DOMS 😅

[@samuelfrade2652]

Can't you just shift into a higher gear and pedal harder to make cycling just as hard as running?

[@JB-sv2uc]

@@samuelfrade2652 not so easy in traffic. Not very safe either a lot of the time. Simpler to just put some cheap trainers on

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Sure if you live in a city. But on the countryside or a long climb with constant pressure on the pedals, not freewheeling 70% of the time noodling in a group cycling can be just as "effective" 😅

[@jonregler]

Great vid 👍 As a once young cyclist turned midlife-crisis ultra runner returning back to cycling I can appreciate this discussion from both angles. If I look at my ‘numbers ‘ on COROS lab I can get my base fitter by running more than I can by cycling. Rule of thumb for me on that my training load for a run = 2.25 x run (ie 2h15 on bike is equivalent to 1h00 run) That said, with a lower heart rate I can cycle longer, enjoy my surroundings, take on fuel (and less of it) and generally Not be £;)&ing hanging after 5-10hrs. I recover much quicker too. Looking forward to my first 24hrs in the saddle and will report back!

[@dandillon2163]

I can personally confirm that you have two completely different sports here. And that the top athletes in the two can't be easily be compared, as your video illustrates well. I've had the privledge of competing on a major shoe company sponsored running team in the late 70's into the early "80's. I made 7 National XC teams for IAAF World Championships, and had a top 10 Boston Marathon finish. Then in early 90's took up cycling at the age of 35 (which is Masters for USCF) with my local club. After the requsite two broken collar bones from crit crash, I devoted my attention to time trials. With my Look Hinault road bike, a mylar J Disc rear wheel, and Scott clip on's I qualified for USCF Nationals in Borego Springs, CA. I'd go as far to argue that even within the sports of distance running and cycling you have areas of specialty that are sometimes difficult to compare. Time Trialists vs. KOM vs. Sprinters are all specialized. As are Cross Country vs. Road Racers vs. Track specialists. Big thanks to GCN for putting together such an entertaining piece! much appreciated.

[@sq5]

Agree.

[@indoorandoutdoorendurance3889]

Here's what I think: For a younger individual, a tremendous level of fitness is possible with running. However, as we get much older, certain things about running, such as the impact and other aspects of the movements involved, are limited by changes in the body. However, with an older body, cycling allows a much higher level of fitness than can be attained with running. When I was younger, I could get a really great cardio-respiratory, muscular, etc. workout from running fast at distance. At an older age I can continue to get in really great cardio-respiratory, muscular, etc. workouts (really high-quality exercise) from cycling. I think one reason for this is because cycling is essentially a zero-impact form of exercise. Cycling allows much more! Also, when intuitively examining what an individual can accomplish in one day, for example, at any age, I would have to conclude that cycling would allow a higher level of fitness than running would. Another way to express this idea might be to say that a Tour de France racer would be in a higher level of human fitness than a marathoner, ultramarathoner, or world-class runner running any type of running event. Therefore, to test how well a runner cycles and compare this with how well a cyclist runs does not really do justice to thinking about the maximum levels of fitness reached by the two different types of activities. However, running is certainly more natural than cycling. Everything I wrote here is my own opinion, so if you don't agree, don't worry.

[@DanielHernandezRivera]

I started off as primarily a cyclist and then got really into running. Eventually got into ultra marathons, then triathlon, eventually Ironman. Without a doubt, when runners pick up cycling their fitness transfers over so much easier. They don't seem to miss a beat and in fact, a lot of runners start off as stronger climbers than even casual cyclist who have been training for years. Whenever I see cyclists switching over to running, they struggle. That was also my experience picking up running. Running is just so much more aerobically intensive and it takes time for your bones to harden and the capillary network in your feet to grow.

[@OhWanya]

Legit that’s how I felt! My scale that can pick out bone weight and fat% picked up 400gr of bone weight that I gain every month tu first 3 month of running! After that that 1kg200g stayed and I never felt better! Running was not a pain anymore!

[@christine_15_26]

Great content! My partner is a cyclist and I'm a runner. When we ran together for the first time, I was quite surprised that he can pace with me considering that he doesn't run at all. Of course, I was trying to slow down so he can keep up, hahaha! But kidding aside, I was surprised. I haven't cycled with him but I'm very open to give it a go. Cycling and running are closely similar just different in some ways. Both are very interesting sports! But yeah, I'll always choose to run because as you said, the bike is 20 times the value of my running shoes. 😆

[@andrewphillips4328]

Definitely do another video with a longer cycle ride. Maybe introduce some one off strength tests.

[@christians.ellefsen7442]

Great video! 🤩 Really enjoyed it!

[@adohmnail6445]

Great fun. It just shows how sports specific muscle training or repetition is crucial. That being said, the tried and true cross training for anything is running. It is physically demanding. One huge factor though is impact and wear and tear on the body in which over time and overall health/well being cycling would be far better option.

[@bardongalang32]

I've been cycling for 3 years during the pandemic. From home to work and vice versa. Then i decided to do running which led me to join my very first Duathlon. Honestly, i got hooked in both sports and now registered on future running events. Virtual too. 🤘

[@gcn]

Awesome, that's great to hear! They can both work really well together if you do it right.

[@JoseFlores-tr6uw]

Great video! As a fellow runner, I am extremely impressed with the Cyclist's abiility to run. I would be interested to see an updated version of this challenge, but with hills! Or longer distances!

[@e.rijpstra6152]

Awesome! Cycling some climbs in the comparison would have been epic.

[@etherealicer]

Would be interesting to see how much each improves with some training. A couple of sessions with a trainer would see both improving quite a bit but would also highlight the different muscles used.

[@gcn]

We'll let you try and convince Alex to get running again 😂

[@jgv740]

I have to say, the point when Alex got passed…when his initial response was to scream out “Jesus Christ!!” 11:36 I lost it. Watching this was quite possibly the highlight of my week if not month. Great effort by both, I would say. May have to give running a go even though I’ve always been horrible at formal running. Thanks for the entertainment, effort, and insights!

[@238949]

Great fun, loved watching this, Alex was never going to out run the runner, 4km is a long one for a non runner. Thanks for a fun Sunday watch

[@gcn]

Gad you liked it! For another video with a challenge, why not watch our 'KOM hunters' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/KOM

[@238949]

@@gcn 😞don't have GCN+

[@gmcmullins3251]

A great experiment. Learned a lot. More tests can be run.

[@Tommi462]

As a relative beginner in both disciplines, I definitely find running harder now, even though it feels like it would be simpler. I run on average about 3 hours a week, and cycle for 4,5 hours, but that includes commutes so I "train" running more than I do cycling basically and I definitely have made more progress in running since starting than in cycling, but I'm also much further from the top in running than in cycling (EDIT: And by top, I mean the local top athletes around my area, not like Olympic athletes and such). I'm really far from running a 67 minute HM for example like this guy here. I just did a 1:48 PB actually, and that was 10 minutes faster than my previous PB. So a lot of progress, but still bad at it. So it doesn't surprise me one bit that a fit runner is a better cyclist than a fit cyclist is as a runner. That certainly matches my own experience with both sports.

[@Andrewk19837]

1:48 is not a bad half, that’s pretty good. More improvements will come with time. I went from 1:59 to 1:24 in my first 6 years running. The most important thing was just consistency

[@jorislal]

I ran my first HM and second race ever a few weeks ago. Did a 1:43, been running for 5 months now tho I was in a better shape 2 months ago, skipped a few weeks of running and I just can't quite get it back.

[@chris2ao]

I love love love this video. I effing hate everything abour running and I've run a few hundred miles before when I was in the military.

[@Adrienne557]

Yes! What a fun day! I would love to see Alex back!

[@nstrug]

Running is great for getting a good aerobic workout in a short period. If you stay off the road and stick to hilly trails it’s a good full body workout as negotiating roots and rocks and inclines recruits far more muscles than just pounding along on flat pavement, and short sharp hills are a good dip into VO2max. The killer from a cycling POV is that descents don’t really give you much recovery compared to on a bike.

[@JBDazen]

Ever since I dipped into triathlon coming from cycling I think cycling is really a breeze compared to running (or swimming). Running is brutal for the body. But it gets you SO fit!

[@hendrixinfinity3992]

Go do some 15-20% hills on a bike.

[@JBDazen]

@@hendrixinfinity3992 Love that! And it's a breeze compared to running a 5K at top speed.

[@hendrixinfinity3992]

​@@JBDazen Easier? No, that entirely depends on your effort level. Top level cyclists generally have the best FTP and VO2 max scores of any athletes with XC skiers and runners second and third. The only aspect in which cycling is easier is on your body, and also to an extent for a beginner, since most people could do a 15km ride without much effort on the flat, but most people couldn't do a 3k run with no prep.

[@JBDazen]

@@hendrixinfinity3992 you basically just illustrated my entire point yet still you're trying to argue the opposite. Life is funny that way :-) Cycling is pushing your legs while mostly sitting on your ass. Running is endlessly pounding your entire body with up to 4 times its own weight. Running pushes you to higher heart rates because more systems in your body are engaged. Runners are warriors. Cyclists are elitist whiners. And I say this as a cyclist, in good fun 😉

[@hendrixinfinity3992]

@@JBDazen You're not really saying very much other than running is more damaging to the body. That's kind of an obvious point but isn't relevant to fitness level. If you're hitting higher heart rates on a 5k than a hill climb then you're not hitting the hill climb hard enough. I peak at 190 on a hard cat 4 climb, sustain around 160 for the longer ones. You should be engaging your core, lower back and legs and have a high cadence.

[@albertmeyer8983]

Really interesting! Thanks!

[@mfcycles7551]

I do both running and cycling in pretty much equal measures, although I don’t thing they particularly complement each other. You can go for a nice easy bike ride, but I don’t think you can go for an easy run as even jogging along slowly is hard. Running is a lot harder on the body and the recovery time is longer.

[@richardmanton]

I’m 59 and started running (probably jogging is a better description @ 10kph average) 6 months ago and definitely say that running has benefited cycling but is way harder on the legs and needs a careful build up and conditioning to avoid injuries.

[@Greenish21]

Very interesting video, I first started running but unfortunately I got to much injuries so I decided to start cycling and I just fall in love with this sport too. Running it’s harder than cycling, but I never hit the wall while running, and my first attempt cycling 100k I just became empty! Never expected that.

[@fridooo1982]

My personal experience backs this up. I used to be a decent runner, and it did not require much effort to become an ok cyclist (especially for climbing). For personal reasons, I had to stop sports for a couple of years. I still managed to do a bit of cycling but no running at all. When I finally managed to get back to training, I only trained cycling. I managed to reach a level of fitness comparable to where I was. And then I tried running. It was horribly difficult. I was having exactly what Alex describes: short stride, heart beat super high, etc.... I was light years away from my fitness a few of years ago, even after several weeks of training. That was a sharp contrast to the running >> cycling transition.

[@maxytwist]

Just developed some shin splints in my left leg while marathon training. So for the first time this year have had my bike out on the streets. Same as the runner in this video can feel the burning in my quads almost straight away and lack power. Looking forward to cross training now for the next few months and hopefully into old age!

[@renegadetenor]

I'll offer one metric: when I became unable to run, I came over to your channel, focused and put all my running energy into cycling, and my seasonal cycing avg. speed went from 17.5 to 19.5 mph.

[@francodellamura7471]

Well done Blake, great effort! 👍💪

[@GeorgeD1]

I practically never run, I much prefer cycling. However, I once joined a few colleagues for a 5k park run which is not a competition but there is of course some competitiveness involved...did it in 21:35. Which was surprising given that I literally bought running shoes the day before the event, so I had done no previous training. I am relatively heavy, at 79 kg, but i guess the fitness I have from cycling helped me there. HOWEVER, after the run, I was so sore for almost a week that I could barely sit down and stand up! Running definitely utilizes different muscles and technique and I have deep respect for runners and the amount of effort running requires. No freewheeling downhill, no easier gears, no help - it's amazing.

[@neilfox9540]

I love both running and cycling and definitely feel cross benefit of being proficient at both. For example cycling really helps strength when running uphill. I also find the variety keeps things interesting. Cycling is infinitely more expensive hobby though!

[@333wheeler]

A Cyclo Cross race with some long running sections to give the runner a chance. The old Cyclist vs Harriers races used to be great fun.

[@klaasdeboer8106]

I love both running and cycling, I ride my bike on running shoes, when running a lot I can allways go for a ride and enjoy, allthough my butt and shoulders might hurt after a while, when riding without running, running has to be trained for months before it gets fun again.

[@Brandoni65]

I use to race my bike when younger. Then in past years I started hiking and mountain climbing as well as running/trail running. I noticed that I was very strong and climbing/hiking was much easier when most my training has been running rather than hiking and climbing. Running is a very powerful fitness booster overall in my opinion. I also felt extremely strong and fast when I transfered my running fitness on some random bike rides. I would definitely give it to running and runners as the most fit, powerful in cross-training and I've done all the sports! As for endurance, unless you do long easy runs, cycling and hiking/climbing will will ultimately build endurance more than running unless get some nice longer runs in.

[@MarlonJosephdelaCruz]

This is fun as well as very informative!

[@bettyjones8363]

I was a runner until I got older, and then felt problems in my lower back and knee, so I started cycling. I loved running and now I love cycling

[@abdelazizboudiaf3061]

I started cycling a year ago training for a triathlon. coming from a running background, and before i bought my shiny bike, i started at a good stationary bike as it was winter, i was able to average 200 watts on the bike for 90 min after 2 months of training, with my HR in the 130’,no thing to write home about it. then the summer came and i put those legs into the outside world and it was so different, you can’t keep in cycling your HR steady, it goes up to 150’ up the hill then 120’ when you stop peddling, that reminded me more of my interval running training. The point is stationary bike is like long distance running, but cycling is like intervals, the more you have corners and hills the more it’s true, and for those runners riding at 30kph enjoying the wind in their hair saying cycling is easy! It’s not! push yourself to the limits try to average 35kph 37, and you will see hell There is no easy sport, people go easy on themselves.

[@madmick9205]

Interesting video. I was an elite runner but due injury swapped to the bike. On the flat I can perform well, but uphill I can't. I don't feel as if my running strength and fitness translated well to the bile.

[@darrelstickler]

I’d bet in a long hill climb the runner would also shine. When I both ran and cycled (and was reasonably fast), climbing out of the saddle was exactly the same motion as running up hill. I’m typing from perspective of a runner that exclusively ran hills (where I live on the San Francisco peninsula, there are endless trails in the west hills… 20-40’ long. Three-Hill Hell was a famous run in Ranch San Antonio. So I was always struck how climbing out of the saddle felt just like running up hills… assuming you’re strong enough to sustain a running gait up the hills.

[@tranquill80]

I had a good chuckle when GCN Alex instinctively shifted positions to draft when he was passed in the running race. 🤪😝

[@BloodyClash]

seeing the runner run. almost jumping and those huge steps. really amazing and impressive

[@Driver8takeabreak]

This would be interesting to do, but have the running/cycling on climbs. I'm both a cyclist and runner (former triathlete), and I've found that cycling can translate well to running uphill (esp. steep hills), and running can translate well to cycling uphill.

[@Guidiary]

Interesting! I transitioned from cycling a lot back to running a couple of years ago and couldn't believe how hard it was in the beginning and how long it took (I had run a lot in the past so had some personal reference points). Recently I transitioned back to cycling and couldn't believe how quickly I was able to spend some pretty long days in the saddle again. I think the shock impact of running takes longer to adapt to... For a fairer comparison I reckon the cycling leg should be 3-4 times as long as the run. An hour run after work is a decent workout, but you almost wouldn't bother changing into full cycling kit for that length ride haha...

[@Balkac]

Hm I'm surprised that you live so far away from each other. It must be quite a challenge to manage all the shooting logistically. Great job as usual!

[@aliancemd]

Having done both sports, I think running is definitely harder, it’s like doing TT all the time but for different distances while in cycling you get lots of chances to recover a little bit, even a little corner gives you some recovery time

[@TheDusty0ne]

4'48 is super solid. A lot of people who practice running regularly can't hit that time consistently. Cardio fitness is key here. And both cycling and running are great exercises to improve your cardio.

[@zukzworld]

Both are great in their own rights, no sport is ‘better’ than the other as long as you enjoy and love it. ❤✌🏾

[@dorydiavelone3531]

A friend of mine put it best (80 years old when he said it) he was also properly competitive in both running and cycling…he said When I cycle I feel 19 again when I run I feel 119 !! Nuff said

[@k4mi1980]

I'm a runner even if I don't compete but I often run 3-4 times a week. I don't use the bike much because free time is too little to make km . Often used when some injury didn't allow me to go out for a run. With the bike I personally find it much more difficult to raise the heartbeat, the only way is to go uphill. Which is why it is also very good for training in zone 2. The bike unfortunately has a small but important defect .. the cost! a road bike plus accessories costs a lot compared to running

[@ethangodridge6833]

Both sports have their own challenges. I represented England at XC running and switched to cycling after a stress fracture in 2020.

[@gcn]

Road riding or keeping it off road? 👀

[@ethangodridge6833]

@@gcn Just road riding/racing.

[@markricketts6957]

I used to enjoy running, but two years ago I ripped all the ligaments in my left knee in a farming accident. Now I can still go max effort for a few hours at low impact sports like rowing on the water or cycling, no problem. I can only run 3 steps before I am in pain and hobbling around for a week.

[@markedwards2063]

Great video....more like this please!