Olympic Runner vs Pro Cyclist | Who Is The Fittest?

[@runningchannel]

Who do you think will win? Are you on team runner or cyclist? Let us know in the comments below

[@amiecorbin5889]

I was team Andy! Don't worry Andy, you'll get 'em next time!

[@TheRealBancroft]

I was Team Andy too! I think you may have been caught out by not already knowing your 20min power. Next time you'll ace it :)

[@danielwang1977]

@@amiecorbin5889 I am not going anywhere wtf was wrong

[@danielwang1977]

@@amiecorbin5889 I

[@amiecorbin5889]

@@danielwang1977 ?

[@jeffh4505]

It would be interesting to see how a triathlete would fit into this challenge.

[@runningchannel]

Great shout Jeff and one to consider for our next challenge!

[@laurieislaurie]

Well...they would win. Easily, lol

[@reubenabela3063]

@@laurieislaurie i suggest they dont take up the challenge to avoid the embarrassment :D

[@Lunddgab]

@@laurieislaurie no they wouldn’t

[@laurieislaurie]

@@Lunddgab they train both events. Both of these two sucked at the opposite event. Plz explain how a triathlete would lose?

[@bbikerlawrence]

That was so hard 🤣🤣 Cheers to therunningchannel for having me! 👌🏽

[@sifi7950]

Respect for running under 25mins, especially after maintaining 350W!

[@runningchannel]

You did brilliantly Lawrence! Thanks for joining us!

[@deadpool8340]

Watch out Mo Farah Lawrence is making a late dash for the olympics

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Well done Lawrence. As someone who both runs and cycles (badly) I could not have beaten either of the worst times from either of you, so kudos to everyone. Admit it though, you are gonna do more running now, right? lol

[@timroden6617]

A 25 min 5k after a 10mile bike ride. Respect. I would almost rather run first than get on the bike.

[@JasonOFlaherty]

When I heard ex pro cyclist I thought this was going to be an epic GCN collab. Enjoyable video none the less.

[@stricklyoutdoors5677]

I was hoping the same thing.. make it a three way with GTN too..

[@stricklyoutdoors5677]

@Scartoons that is what I was thinking. That would be great

[@bbikerlawrence]

@Road Runner lol

[@ynotnilknarf39]

@Road Runner Aye, but Andy is no spring chicken, competed at a higher level for sure but his peak was 10+ years ago, on balance the age difference was the factor IMHO.

[@madr309]

Andy - "I'm in pain, here. Please, internet, say that you like that!" This is why I subscribe to the Running Channel - Andy really shows the human behind the Olympian, and that elite runners aren't superhuman machines - they get tired, and cramp up, and probably wonder why the hell they've devoted so much time to something that hurts so bad - just like us back-of-the-packers.

[@runningchannel]

Ah thanks so much for this! And it's absolutely true - Olympians still experience the same pain, cramps and injuries that us back of the packers experience. Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@jeffh4505]

I attended a dinner that Meb Keflezighi was speaking at. It was comforting knowing that elites have the same mental challenges us regular Joes have as well, especially those mid-race thoughts of wanting to just stop and sit on the side of the road for a while.

[@jayniewhite8645]

I love to run and cycle! I’m mediocre at both but they bring my amazing joy and feelings of accomplishment. Thanks for another fabulous video. When I first began running I learned the most from watching all the videos you have posted. ❤️

[@haraldodunkirk1432]

These dudes, with their spaghetti arms, are some tough bastards...

[@rahmatullohilmi693]

Lol, spagheti arms

[@neelsmienie]

Andy you are our champ. Show them that runners are the best.

[@ccbgaming6994]

Runner and Cyclist: In severe pain and torture Dualathlete: Laughs with confidence

[@lcpholman]

Flawed execution here IMO. The overall time has to be the same for both disciplines, otherwise you cannot compare using absolute time. Because the cycling task was longer - any absolute time difference is going to be magnified. What may be more meaningful with how the tasks were undertaken is how close did the one participant get to the "expert" on their off discipline. On this basis, Andy's performance was 70.7% that of Lawrence's on the bike whereas Lawrence's run performance was 67.7% of Andy's. Those figures indicate Andy was the winner here. Yay! NB I have no runner/cyclist preference - just a nerd.

[@neon-3467]

Yes, it also didn't help that both of them were talking and not taking it serious. I don't know why these videos always get screwed up.

[@rly1977]

One argument for why cycling should be longer is due to the wind resistance being a bigger factor for at higher speeds than at lower speeds. At higher speeds, a difference in power will result in less of a difference in speed. That same difference in power at lower speeds will result in a bigger difference in speed. So one elite triathlete that is fitter than a second athlete will not have as big of a time difference in cycling than those two in running, if the running and cycling portions were set to take the same amount of time, and the runner would have the advantage there. Maybe another way to fairly compete is to measure the total watt hours per unit of weight generated by running vs cycling for the same amount of time in each discipline.

[@davidms3729]

@@rly1977 or simply to do it outdoors xD But yes I get what you are saying about the wind but for me is still not as important as the total amount of time… Imagine a marathoner vs a 100m sprinter, who do you think would win? I know it’s not the same but in their case is still a huge time difference…

[@bagel9542]

@@davidms3729 obviously the bike would win outside cause its faster

[@davidms3729]

@@bagel9542 Hahahaha yes of course it would xD I mean that you add up the times. They could first make a bike race and later on a running one. They should think on a distance where the total time at least for the winners would be approx the same

[@anelsatxlife]

The cyclist did a BRICK workout which is impressive if he isn't used to it. I've participated in a few triathlons and run after bike takes some getting used to when you fist start out. I figured the cyclist would win though because cycling is more involved knowing gears and timing of push especially since you're moving a piece of equipment, the bike. Both no doubt are fit! Great job!

[@mountaingoat3012]

Running after a hard ride is really tough. My legs just laugh at me! Cycling after a run is nice as the legs get a recovery spin.

[@raymondmorrow7926]

Do it again in the real world. Lets get outside and go racing guys.

[@mejartomlinson7065]

that would be dangerous for non cyclist lol

[@bagel9542]

it's about fitness not skill cause the cyclist wouldn't know running techniques and vice versa

[@halftheprice4373]

@@mejartomlinson7065 only in America

[@weevilinabox]

Andy only lost because the ride took longer, which biased the challenge in cycling's favour. Andy cycled at 70.7% of Lawrence's speed, whilst Lawrence ran at only 67.7% of Andy's speed. An extreme example will make it obvious why. Say Andy runs for just one minute and Lawrence rides for ten. If Lawrence then runs at half Andy's speed, it'll take 2 minutes and he'll finish 1 minute behind on the run. If Andy then rides at half Lawrence's speed, it'll take 20 minutes and he'll finish 10 minutes behind on the ride, so 9 minutes overall.

[@violinphelan]

True

[@scooty-puffjr5588]

Normally of a triathlon or biathlon the cycling parts are balanced to be at least four times the running distance. If you alter the distances the athletes will just pace themselves differently.

[@weevilinabox]

@@scooty-puffjr5588 Good point, though the framing of this challenge was that they were targeting the same duration for each expert in their own event.

[@rly1977]

Here's an argument for why the cycling portion needs to take longer. As an athlete increases their power, the wind resistance increases by a power of 2. So two fast moving cyclists, with a power difference, won't have as big of a speed difference as two slow moving cyclists (or runners) with the same power difference. Because of this discrepancy, the cycling portion would need to take longer than the running portion, especially for more elite athletes.

[@ianmerrick556]

I love seeing each of them encouraging the other even when competing against each other.... True sportsmanship right there!

[@lukedaniel7669]

I love that you do content for every level of runner. This challenge made a great insight into the mental side of competition too, I remember being told at uni that serious athletes hurt themselves and then still keep going.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Luke!

[@stacylamb5607]

Great Job Lawrence . I tried to get on a bike and I struggle with it . Running is my meditation. Off to do my longest run I ever did after starting in November. 10 miles . I got this !

[@amiecorbin5889]

It was really nice to see you out of your element, Andy! Sometimes, it seems that some of the challenges are just too easy for you! But, if you want a rematch, you should definitely take this from the virtual to the real for a proper outside race with obstacles and challenges....combined cycling running scavenger hunt?

[@runningchannel]

Ooooh - you know we love a scavenger hunt! Thanks for the suggestion Amie!

[@jbom18]

It's nice to see you guys struggle a bit. Makes me feel better about when I do. Especially for newer runners/cyclists. Shows that is okay to struggle a bit and what you can achieve when you don't give up! ❤️🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️

[@runningchannel]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching 😊

[@ottohernandez8818]

The real way to find out was to do each other's sport...

[@DavidWilliams-sd7yw]

Very impressed with both competitors in this. If it wasn't for the cramp and the common runners problem of "I'm trying to start off slowly but my legs aren't listening to my brain" then I think it would have been a different result. Well done!

[@animaginaryboy_]

When I saw the title, I just remembered Chris Froome running up Mont Ventoux.

[@runningchannel]

Yes! We were just talking about this the other day! Crazy!

[@eddieyew2713]

Awesome job Andy. And Lawrence as well. Very fun to watch.

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@danielpotapczuk2155]

I like cycling, but I love running. Cycling is great because you can cover a lot of distance very quickley, but honestly, there is nothing that can compare to running. By the way, well done Andy and well done Lawrence. It was very exciting to watch that epic challenge.

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Daniel! And we agree about running (maybe that's why we're the Running Channel 😉)

[@jecob11111]

Nice going both of you, the runner and the cyclist! This video is a good example of how each athlete is tuned to his/her fitness for a particular discipline. In this case, both disciplines need a good strategy and specific training, even though seemingly running, cycling (and swimming) are branches of cardio sports and most of us would do fairly well provided we have acquired cycling and swimming as a skill. However, if we put a longer distance in equation, the results will vary. How about doing same distances in real world next time? [Note to self: My running is slow and cycling is even slower, need to improve it!]

[@runningchannel]

Great suggestion - thanks for the suggestion!

[@jenniea2157]

Your are the hero - brilliant runner, great presenter & you founded The Running Channel - what is there not to love?👍👏

[@neilcatley9474]

Great effort from both! However.. this should have been a 'who's faster' video - speed it not a measure of fitness! I'd love to see a comparison of VO2, lactate threshold etc etc

[@runningchannel]

Oooh interesting, Neil! Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching 😊

[@calebknox6996]

I wonder how much a couple months of training in the other discipline would change there times.

[@sifi7950]

Yes! Andy and Lawrence… challenge accepted?!

[@adamoliver3941]

Try against a triathlete!

[@paulseandaniels5031]

Team cyclists ALL day!!! Well done Lawrence!!!! 😁 💪🏽 Was surprised by Lawrence's run, very impressive. Great Channel and VLOG!! KEEP IT UP

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching Paul! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Hairyfoot_Studio]

Well done both, good efforts all round. As an amateur runner and cyclist I think both of your combined times were fantatsic. I could do about 55 minutes combined (24 min run/ 31 min cycle) but probably not on the same day 😆 Try a flatter route next time for the ride on Zwift, the volcano climb on Wattopia is a killer

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Kev!

[@TheRealBancroft]

Well done Andy and Lawrence, fantastic challenge! I'm in team both! Two disciplines really benefit each other and have helped me become Zwift Cat A in both. I'd recommend cycling for runners, and running to cyclists for anyone wishing to make gains :) I love TRC the most!

[@runningchannel]

Glad you loved this challenge Gareth! Thanks so much for watching and sharing how much both disciplines help you 😊

[@LarsRR]

I think an uphill time trial would be a fairer comparison to running. In Running, Power is very directly translated to speed, as aero drag is not that big of an Influence. On a flat time trial, the difference between going 30kph or 45kph is 150W vs 330W, so a complete novice vs a pretty peak amateur. The time gap will *only* be 45% despite the power difference being over 100%. On uphill, power translates to speed a lot more linearly.

[@mountaingoat3012]

Great video. I’ve known from personal experience that every sport has its own fitness and just because I’m cycle or running fit, it doesn’t mean I’m football fit or vice versa.

[@santhasa]

Good to see such contests. Lived every bit of this. Keep them coming

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@richard.featherstone]

I have a foot in both camps, I'm a cyclist who's recently started running 5K. I reckon a cyclist doing a run will have an easier time than a runner jumping on a bike.

[@sifi7950]

I’ve paused the vid at 3:20 and am going the other way. I’m a noob cyclist (12 months) and had to have 3 months off after shattering my clavicle… I was allowed to run 6 weeks before I could cycle again and my legs are like granite as a result… I’m voting Andy!

[@shogoyamada945]

The cyclist in this video couldn’t run anywhere near as fast. The runner was running a sub 6 mile. That’s not easy. You need to train tremendously to hit that for one mile let alone 3

[@colinmerritt5530]

Enjoyed the polite competitiveness.

[@thatguygreg]

Great video, would love to see more of this in future. So close Andy!!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! Any challenge suggestions for us?

[@razifsani4735]

No worries,congrats andy. i'll still be team runners. Fair n good competition,very proud to both of u👍☺️

[@GogglesTyresandTrainers]

Why did Lawrence look like an extra out of a football hooligan movie on the treadmill? 😉 Good video guys, loved it! Secret answer is the best 😉😂

[@L0stJ0hnny]

Bad luck Andy! But having had to pull up with cramp in my calves in the last two miles of a half marathon race last month, it makes me feel much better that the same thing can even happen to The Running Channel's resident Olympian.

[@TheKadachi213dos]

Loved this video. Great effort gentlemen!

[@dresden_slowjog]

Cheering for Andy, of course. Run Cheetah Run!

[@crilups]

Nice race! Loved it! I thought the difference would be higher based on Andy’s cramps… but look not so bad in the end! Without the cramp he would have won! But the race was Fair! Congrats to both of you!!!

[@richard.featherstone]

It was closer than I thought it would be. There is value in mixing disciplines if you can, cycling is a low impact workout. When I recently started running I was getting niggles, strains and discovering muscles I didn't know I had that would stop me from running the next day, but an hour on the bike would be no problem.

[@reaganmaggs6426]

Great effort from both of you yet another great challenge 👍🏻

[@andreg1860]

Lol the time proves it!! Your individual strengths are clear from results.. great fun challenge!! Well fun for us.....cheers!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Andre!

[@RPG__Dave]

Yes please more of these crazy challenges! Andy is awesome.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Dave!

[@MiataBRG]

Im team both! Once racing cyclist, now runner. Loved the video, really interesting and good fun.

[@runningchannel]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Humannn8ss8]

Cyclings my go to when I’m injured

[@andream.464]

I was in the army’s running team (1000m-3000m). One day this young cyclist joins the team as the slowest of the 13 members (I was the second fastest). After one month of specific training, he became the second fastest (the first was an unbeatable Martian, who ended up in the national team). This cyclist could out run me easily. Later in the years I switched to biking: do I feel fitter now or back then? The answer is: exactly the same!😂 But one thing is for sure: after 40-45, biking is so much better for your joints and I’d say also for your health in general!

[@fastinradfordable]

25min 5k, my 50yo mom could do thay

[@Sally150]

This was a fun video to watch.

[@ivylovesrunning]

Well done to you both! It just goes to show that both forms of excerise is challenging. Congratulations on the win!

[@juliankeren5731]

That was nice challenge.I liked it.Well done guys!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Julian 😊

[@subhrajitswain341]

I am pretty good at cycling but hate running I was searching these type of video to motivate me because I am heading to run a half marathon this week😬

[@andybatt]

Great effort from both of you. As a cyclist and runner I'd back both of you and 69sec difference is not a big difference. Great challenge. 👍

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Andy 👍

[@jenniferbraun2654]

Better luck next time!!! This was a fun video to watch and I love watching any challenge you guys compete in!!!

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Jennifer!

[@adam85296]

Andy this would be great as a real race - ie both start on bike…over say 10k or whatever, then transition to the run…see who crosses the (real not virtual) line first. Guess Zwift wouldn’t pay then tho…

[@srikarsowbhagya683]

Subscribed just by reading your channel name....because I love running 🏃‍♀️

[@runningchannel]

Then we are the channel for you! Welcome!

[@srikarsowbhagya683]

@@runningchannel 👍

[@Mike_Rundle]

So many factors to consider for this to confirm running vs. cycling - I think the only definitive conclusion to draw is that these were both good attempts with two good times both for their strong discipline and also the weaker one.

[@Lina_al_j]

This was fun!!! 🤩 do more challenges like this one

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Lina! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@stuartbrown8697]

That was brilliant! It’s great to see that they are still human and suffer like the rest of us! They really give their all, you can tell. I am sitting on my arse laughing, as I do when people suffer, but nothing but respect. Re-match please. 😁😁💪💪

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Stuart! And you're right - even pro athletes struggle (and get cramp). Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@justinbrown471]

As a 95% runner with the occasional cycling (5%), I'd say achieving a faster average speed on the bike is way harder compared to running.

[@pascaljutras178]

Both sports are very technical when you want to reach high speed. This test make no sense, it means nothing. No matter the sport, getting fit depends of how far you go in the training...

[@tvguyau]

I so want to see the return match of this battle. But this time do it as they have to do the least preferred option first and then their specialty second. They can have a better strategy going in to it this way i think. The Running Channel lets make this happen

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for the suggestion 😊

[@Kelly_Ben]

Fun video! It seems more like a battle of SKILL as opposed to fitness though.

[@runningchannel]

Ah! Thanks for watching Kelly 😊

[@Kelly_Ben]

@@runningchannel Actually sorry my answer came across like Andy is less skilled... I meant the skills currently possessed in each discipline. Speed itself also isn't a true measure of fitness. Sooo... great video, not so great video NAME? LOL

[@richardvandijk452]

Team runners. Andy, next time start on the bike!!!!

[@solefreak2]

Love both disciplines but been leaning more towards cycling as of late due to a foot injury (perineal tendonitis).. Although I still want to participate in this years virtual london marathon

[@robertaartro-morris5505]

Ok, I’m about to watch the video. In theory, according to all the articles I have read, runners benefit from doing some cycling but cyclists do not seem to benefit much from running which would suggest Andy may struggle but in the end it comes down to who has come closer to maintaining their original level of fitness. Now I’m going to enjoy the video!

[@runningchannel]

Very interesting! Let us know what you think of the results Roberta!

[@robertaartro-morris5505]

@@runningchannel The result was what I expected but for different reasons. I am inclined to agree with those who say that the balance is a bit unfair. The cycling section appears to be about 20% longer which is a very big advantage. Choosing a hilly course adds to the advantage as someone without experience will struggle to find the best gears. My take away from this is that Andy is much the fitter of the two but is also the less crafty competitor.

[@jakemeier1211]

Whoever this runner was and whoever this cyclist was vs. Tim O’Donnell! That would be something I would watch!

[@charlesstoner5082]

Good show! Team runner! Rematch!!!👏👏👏

[@TheSunMoon]

Great challenge!

[@Alastair510]

If you get calf cramps when cycling, drop your heel below the pedal. This stretches out the calf muscle and you can carry on pedalling.

[@CsabaTothMr]

My guess: Andy Baddeley's cleats were too forward on his shoe. That's when you put too much stress on your calves. Except if you are a sprinter and want to specifically activate your calves.

[@nizam_mr]

Kudos to Lawrence. 1st time on treadmill, n he can get used to it, straight finishing a 5k.not bad at all 👍 To Andy, maybe you want to consider duathlon training challenge for any open amateur race, and strengthen your cycling discipline?👍

[@runningchannel]

Great suggestion! Which duathlon race should we enter Andy into?

[@virusul2263]

I`m in both teams, more to bike road and mtb but i love a half marathon challenge or trail run the same :)

[@TheRealRackzel]

Great challenge

[@MauricioHernandezVeg]

Amazing video! Try runner vs swimmer vs cyclist vs triathlete

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! And thanks for the suggestion 😊

[@kikii1]

And for the next unfair test, bolt vs kipchoge. The fastest combined time wins.

[@TribodybyVi]

Good video and I'm all for a rematch. However, change things up a little by having a triathlete as the 3rd competitor. Will the triathlete be just average at both or will they be annoying good at both? Put it to the test.

[@runningchannel]

Ooooh now that's an interesting idea! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@markking8801]

Fab ,when you doing the the sub 15 trial again 😎 that was exciting

[@BobCliffe]

Great content guys!! 👍🏻

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Bob!

[@jthomp1254]

incredibly close!!!

[@tvguyau]

Andy I know how you feel running that 5k and wondering were the arch / finish line is. When you just want to finish. But you did amazing in that run

[@livegreatalways]

This is awesome. Andy is a great runner and a great cyclist too!

[@misfit2022]

The geezer who does the triathlon 😁. My verdict - draw but based on the challenges taking place on different days so as to start with fresh legs.

[@dawnwoodward2228]

Love these videos

[@lexington476]

0:36 Andy totally needs to say that when is shaking someone's hand and meeting them for the first time.

[@lisapoulsen5452]

Well done, gentlemen! I was feeling that cramp, Andy! And the cursing😂

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Lisa!

[@VeryChronicles]

I think Andy was the overall winner if the two activities are intended to be of equal difficulty. Andy took 40% longer to complete the cycling than Lawrence, while Lawrence took 45% longer to complete the run than Andy. Lawrence admitted he selected a harder course by mistake believing it to be completable in 17min, yet he tool 22 mins. That was a huge difference in difficulty.

[@ov5502]

I don’t know guys but every time I’ve ridden my bike first and then gone for a run it is pretty tough. Great video! I would’ve enjoyed two treadmills side by side- then two bikes side by side comparisons just a little more. Nonetheless great content as always.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching! Great ideas too, thanks for sharing those 😊

[@liamroche1473]

I like it even before I've watched it.

[@jazeeradxb]

I think there's diminishing returns on the 5k run time. You did a 17 minute 5k, but if you did it in 20 you would've still beaten him by more than 5 minutes on the run, and would've had more energy to get a cycling time close to his..

[@iggalan]

It's understandable, Andy wanted to get a good lead on his strongest discipline. Lawrence on the other way seemed a bit less aggressive on the bike and very consistent on the run which proved a wise decision.

[@liamroche1473]

So, the challenge is to beat a pro cyclist at running and an olympic runner at cycling. :D

[@kathrynhilder9609]

Mom's spaghetti...smashing yourself on the treadmill and you still sneak in a funny there Andy! 😂

[@runningchannel]

Haha thanks Kathryn!

[@Lenny1656]

Team cyclist! 👍 But trying to get better at running! (Why is it so hard?) 😂

[@runningchannel]

Haha! I'd ask the same about cycling, Lee! Good luck with your running training and thanks so much for watching 😊

[@mathiassloreby3661]

5:18 "Legs are heavy. there is vomit on my sweater already." mom spagetti

[@saullyfoo]

Great effort from Andy to be fair, would love to see more lime this

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching! It was a tough challenge for both of them! And sooooo close!

[@ricecakepower]

Rematch in like 6 months! Time to train up lol good luck!

[@scottcollier9178]

Pre race prediction: Andy to win. I think running to Andy’s level will be more difficult than cycling to a high level.

[@RodexTB]

Team Cycling Lets Go!!!

[@markomarten]

I think it would have been better to have the race outside, I think the 15 minutes gap from running to cycling was a big mistake as the muscles start to cool down and you need to keep warmed up to avoid cramp. I did my first triathlon in 2019 and made a point of doing a brick run literally right after a spin class to ensure I kept my legs warmed for a run. With the running to cycling it’s a bit different but you can set your kit up so you are ready to go. I would say do the test again but do it outside and have each person do the thing right through. Riding a bike outside is so very different as is running. With a treadmill you need to add a small incline of about 1% to allow for the flat surface. On a bike you can use the gears better and if you get cramp you can work through it while cycling, preparation is important. I would say give it 6 or 8 weeks and do it outside with proper warm ups and training and see what the difference is.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Mark 😊