The Anatomy Of The Perfect Climber

[@gcn]

What other videos would you love to see us make with Andrew? 👇

[@GenuinePluko]

His diet on a day to day basis, to ride 2 hours a day how many calories is he consuming to maintain his fitness/form and repair muscle, whilst maintaining weight.

[@theyorkshirepudding2656]

I would love to see a GCN film on Feather tackling a hilly UK sportive. Would make for epic viewing and it would be great to see how he'd perform across a day such as The Struggle Dales/Moors or the Fred Whitton!

[@djouji7620]

Thanks for this opportunity! A motivational video with clips from all the many races GCN folks have been on and what it took to get them there! I know that's a whole lot, but being able to see that and hear the motivational statements really can provide a powerful support! This is one of my favs: THE GRIND THIS YEAR, IS PERSONAL - Motivational Speech Compilation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHi0dnh8Z9CKj5Y

[@donnawilson9779]

Come to the US and have him do the Mt Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, 50th anniversary this year, 7.6 miles with 12% avg gradient. The hillclimb scene in the US is much different than the UK, our races tend to be much longer efforts I'd love to see him go up against some of our best.

[@theyorkshirepudding2656]

@@andrewfennell6511 It's quiz time, Andrew. Of your dislikes, which do you dislike the most? A) Solicitors B) People committed to pursuing excellence in a niche area C) People whose surnames match their scale weight D) Demonstrating a vague grasp of the use of grammar in a sentence (my bet's on this one) E) Everything and everyone

[@xtrailz]

To fully appreciate this video, I believe GCN should have included an example of the perfect non-climber. I am available for filming most days of the week, and at weekends.

[@jonathanrobinson2628]

I think by having Connor host this feature, they already did showcase a perfect non-climber. I say that as someone who is only a centimetre shorter than him and climbs like three legged elephant!

[@andrew30m]

I’m 98kgs, 5’10” and have done five proper rides so far, reckon I can put in a claim😂

[@timotius]

Probably a good sprinter!

[@stuartmclean3843]

Well said tunafish 😂

[@triathlonsteve9675]

I Agree, an amateur comparison, would be great, as a triathlete, I could compare my bike and run up that hill 😂😂 think he should do Alpe de zwift 🙃

[@julianwinn4502]

What a nice bloke Andrew is. Very humble about his achievements.

[@gcn]

He's an all-round legend!

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

For somebody who is involved in one of the most scientific disciplines, within what is already a scientific sport, I find Andrew's, "Riding to enjoy it" attitude so refreshing and relateable. He proves you don't have to be obsessive to be the best!!

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Physiology compensates for a lot. Plenty of historically strong riders don't love data crunching...Dave Zebriskie, Cavendish, Taylor Phinney and many others

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

@@veganpotterthevegan okay.

[@JanekDetko]

I totally agree. Think people sometimes can get to carried away take the sport to seriously rather then enjoying it for what it is !

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@Janek Detko there are a lot of people out there that are really passionate about analytical cycling. They're enjoying it as much as anyone else. We don't have to get the same things out of the same activities.

[@xmrbones9577]

Genes+Positive Environment = 🏆

[@razupaltuff504]

Why is andrew so unbelievably cool?

[@FlatSpinMan]

Seriously. On a bike he’s like worlds most handsome dude or something.

[@kimwrinkle100]

I’m a 64-year-old male, 160 cm, 43.3 kg (rarely above 45 kg), and live in Silverton, Colorado (USA) at 2840 meters elevation…and pretty much every ride involves quite a bit of climbing. I do have the anatomy of a climber and love climbs. And my lightest bike? A Canyon Ultimate CFR with disc brakes and power meter that weighs only 6.22 kg (including pedals). No, I do NOT have Andrew’s power numbers or KOMs, but I have a lot of fun challenging myself… Keeps me “young”.

[@lenwilkinson8541]

Send Andrew to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Compete with 100s of others on the dirty dozen hill climbs. It is legendary!

[@jameswitte5676]

I would use the word “Terrifying” .

[@justino359]

Just love his whole approach to training and the race. All about feel, comfort and enjoyment. What a guy! 👏💪😎

[@GOLTEB]

Always a treat to watch Mr.Feather showcase his ability to climb! Amazing

[@gcn]

Which climb in the world would you love to see him take on in a GCN video?

[@lio220]

@@gcn Col du Granon during 'Le défi du Granon' around august 15th. 10km 10%

[@cdsaylor2]

His voice is so utterly smooth. I feel like I just went to a yoga retreat. Seriously have him talk more in segments.

[@_Zane__]

Conor standing by literally anyone reminds me of the lord of the rings scene when Gandalf is in Bilbo Baggins home

[@melmelb1279]

Genetically blessed, humble, a joy for cycling and the perfect name "Feather".

[@peibol24]

Andrew and I use the exact same saddle in our bikes. And that's where our similarities end 👍👍😂

[@ianhuckle8101]

416 w at his race weight is 6.6 watts/kg.... utterly insane. It's up there with Armstrong & Pantani when they were essentially mobile pharmacies.... And such a nice guy with it too.

[@benjyse]

no. armstrong on juise was 500 watts without 450 watts. he was way better and gifted than andrew

[@ianhuckle8101]

@@benjyse You're missing the point... How do you know Armstrongs non doping numbers? He was doping for pretty much his entire career. Pre cancer & way before he was a Tour contender. There can't be any Grand Tour data without doping as he never rode one when he wasn't. The only conclusion we can make about him is that out of all the people who doped, he was the best.

[@2011hwalker]

what are you on about, they did plenty of testing on him before the late 90s, implying Lance wasnt a natural freak is laughable, he was running triathlons against pros as a 15 year old@@ianhuckle8101

[@Alesxandros]

You are an ignorant young pantani reached almost 8 watt/kg he was gifted, he started winning in this way as a kid and never stopped, you are not a cyclist

[@Alesxandros]

People like you should not talk of things you dont know...

[@ethangodridge6833]

What a rider. Would like to see a more in depth video of Feathers training around work, family, etc. Thanks

[@simonmurray9664]

Excellent content - and what a nice guy Andrew is. Send him to Mt Ventoux. It's a long climb for sure at 21km from Bédoin....but if can push the last 3rd it would be amazing to see.

[@rosson1983]

Andrew is such a likeable guy. More videos of him please

[@davelloyd8454]

What an incredible human. Such a modest and relaxed person whilst being twice the athlete I am (almost literally by the numbers) at the weight of just my legs! 🤣

[@jimmansi9046]

This guy is an absolute beast, I learned long ago to embrace climbing & I love grinding out a long climb, awesome vid!

[@seattlegrrlie]

I love watching Feather go up a hill. No extra movements, smooth, and so fast!

[@daveanolik8837]

I vote you put him on Mt. Tam in the Bay Area (San Francisco) so he can dampen a few egos with both his humble demeanor as well as his dominance. Another thought, maybe put him in LA for a week just to grab all of Gaimon’s KOMs.

[@tweedledee4605]

I’m willing to bet feather could take most KOMs in the hills worldwide. There won’t be many he can’t take. They should make a series out of it while this dude is still in his prime. He never looks tired it’s absolutely bonkers

[@daveanolik8837]

@@tweedledee4605 totally agree.

[@cracked229]

I would pay money for Feather to take Gaimon's KOMs. Gaimon is so unauthentic it hurts. Little rich boy comes from family money.

[@GravelRacer1]

Wasn't mention in the video, but he has excellent technique, which makes a huge difference in efficiency.

[@PhiyackYuh]

Which most weekend warriors like him dont focus but instead, they are all obsess with how much power and how they can save weight in their bike whilst having beer belly right 😂

[@chrisdunn8215]

He is cool laid back super cycling dude...!

[@LostInPresets]

Clips of Haytor in there, a 3 mile climb from Bovey to Haytor. It’s a good one folks!

[@lomicwind]

We are very close in terms of numbers, just 1kilo of difference, but the comparison ends here 🤣

[@libra9381]

lol.. u guys don't compare urselves to him as he is 3x hill climb Champ.

[@theyorkshirepudding2656]

I would love to see a GCN film on Feather tackling a hilly UK sportive. Would make for epic viewing and it would be great to see how he'd perform across a day such as The Struggle Dales/Moors or the Fred Whitton!

[@ants4three]

I need to make sure to practice the tips and tricks mentioned here 😉

[@binbob9]

I went on a ride with Andrew after the Basingstoke hill climb a couple of years ago to go and do more efforts in the hills. Guy would ride 350W out the saddle up every little rise then coast every downhill. Needless to say I was ridden off the wheel halfway up the first effort and didn’t see him again 😂.

[@teqai]

Those numbers are crazy, what a machine.

[@adamweb]

6.1 w/kg for 20 minutes is nuts! I do well just to average 3 w/kg on Zwift 🐢

[@nicholassekas3060]

Right and the guy isn't even at race weight, absolutely bonkers

[@acliffalay]

@@nicholassekas3060 also in the off season, 5 kilos off his race weight, and after 30s, 1m sprints and 5m max effort tests. Super strong!

[@bryanwong1625]

Im still on miguel on zwift

[@hernendezsanchez7646]

Top content as usual. I still can't for the life of me wince when I see people ride in the wet/ slippery conditions without gloves

[@kevin._.farren]

416 watts for 20 min @ 68kg…I’m always amazed at how very thin or light riders can generate so much power.

[@babygerald4645]

I'm the same weight and twelve years older and even at my best I'm happy as a clam when I clock half that wattage. Feather is a powerhouse.

[@Onigure]

You gain time in climbs, lose to a very tight jar 😑. But hey! I don't get dropped on sunday rides now. 🙂

[@janeblogs324]

63kg....

[@kevin._.farren]

@@janeblogs324 63 when in season. He said he was 68 for the video.

[@yiannispapelis8260]

I feel honored to have numbers similar to his, just the number "2" separates us. I am 2x the weight and can produce 1/2x the power

[@schaffelaer1902]

All that talk about training specifics, hiits, zone 2, sweet spot; and the champ does it Eddie Merckx style: just get out there and ride 🤘🏻

[@crooksj11]

Mt Washington Hill Climb in New Hampshire!!

[@brentlewis4570]

I came to say the same thing. That climb is brutal. I would love to see Feather try that. Its especially cool as it is only open to riding twice a year.

[@claydohlite29]

Humble. Andrew. What a nice Guy

[@trevorhayes5414]

Family & work considerations aside, wonder if Andrew could be interested in trying an uber all-stops-removed structured & targeted training plan? (and future GCN video: How much better can we make our climber using science/number crunching/optimised approach/diet/gym work?). Then let him loose on Sa Calobra & Alpe D'Huez! (I'm hanging out for that team race video up Alpe D'Huez too!) His numbers are insane and it was quite revealing to me that he doesn't ride to numbers and his training is almost normal. I'd just assumed he was 100% fixated on hitting numbers/watts/analysis/plans & targets. And he is just so calm and relaxed. Super chilled.

[@vincentlevalois]

Just shows that genetics are clearly playing a huge role here. He's a natural athlete with those VO2 max numbers.With most of us, no amount of training would permit us to achieve that.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

He may just happen to be doing nearly the perfect training for himself anyway.

[@BikeronaTrek]

Very interesting! This is a great video! I am a poor climber, I've never been fast, even on a short climb. I see that Andrew always is out of the saddle when he climbs. I will try this and see if it helps.

[@jacksonbangs6603]

Excellent tips for improving climbing capabilities.

[@johmn_]

Interested as to gearing ratios Andrew's running. Is it just the one chainring? Looks huge for a climbing bike!!

[@kestralrider313]

I'd like to see a sponsored attempt at alpe d'huez, the real climb and maybe a comparison to how that compared in time, power and effort to the recent ADZ KOM attempt.

[@nikanj]

No bar tape is a good weight saving for a hill climing bike. Other potential weight savings include: - Chop off the drops. - Completely remove the saddle and seatpost. - Remove brakes.

[@stevedouglas3975]

I'd love to know when does age become a factor. Andrew is 37 so I am assuming he's coming to end of optimum age for performance. How long does he think can sustain the elite power numbers he produces?

[@madyogi6164]

I'm 44, and believe me ~40 is when numbers don't want to go any further. For me it's also because of an accident (hit by car, had half a year break). Just enjoy what you have and do some longer rides...

[@BadassStealthFace]

When you let it

[@stevedouglas3975]

@@BadassStealthFace Nope. No matter how hard you train etc age will catch up. Ever wondered why 60 year olds aren't winning gold medals etc.

[@musclelessfitness2045]

Father time is undefeated. It varies for everybody, depending on how much you stress your body and what you eat (Eating can also tax you body). Some people hit the wall in their early twenties, some in their forties, but for most people, it's in their thirties that they hit it. Sports are supposed to be fun. If you train too much, you'll age a lot and you will get injured more frequently.

[@jefferycampbell2243]

Studies on aging athletes have shown that short duration peak power falls off with age starting in your 20's. This is due to lower max heart rate, which you can't do anything about), and loss of fast twitch muscle fibers (which you can slow with strength training). However, slow twitch muscle fibers become more efficient and endurance power stays relatively constant provided you continue training consistently. Since Andrew's strength lies in the longer duration efforts, those can be maintained into his mid 60's (and possibly longer).

[@zeragus707]

He makes a good point about riding better when not looking at the numbers. I wish there was a way to hide the massive watts number in the corner when on zwift. My average power is lower compared to using other apps. It's natural to slow down sometimes and then speed up when you feel slightly rested. Looking at a number going down will make you try harder when maybe your body isn't ready and then you end up spending more effort overall then you would just going by feel

[@wiwiwiii]

I bet Andrew for races is still using his custom Cannondale Supersix evo with rim brakes that was less than 6 kgs (maybe 5.5 kg? ) not the Canyon CFR that we see in this video. More than 1 kg less is a lot!

[@petep]

Love his training approach!

[@tommoores1138]

Be great to get a bit more of his background. What’s his athletic history? I’ve always found anecdotally that people who did significant endurance training growing up would retain this ability or at least the ability to get back to a high level more easily than those who start later in life. I’m 40 and have been ‘training’ on a bike for 3-4years and seem stuck at about 290watts at 60kgs.

[@robt8042]

Is 290w your ftp?

[@tommoores1138]

@@robt8042 it was last year

[@James-J-J-J]

Send him to Rivington Pike - it’s a well known climb with a lovely gradient! 😉

[@tobiasmadero2727]

A needed vídeo! Thanks. I think It would be interesting to see feather vs ollie in a two race vídeo stage both of them choosing their own special course

[@theunfinishedarticle]

Amazing athlete, and yes, a very cool guy.

[@Fitnessdrama]

Sick video

[@BLITZKRIEG1]

2hrs a day in UK? Isnt the weather really crappy to do that most of the time?

[@julianamccaffree7925]

I would love to see a video of the anatomy of the perfect FEMALE climber. How would it compare to Andrew's?

[@HkFinn83]

Power to weight ratio and high vo2max, it’s the same

[@bobmclaughlin4896]

I find it interesting he rides on top of the bars. ... I find it best powering is in the drops while climbing. It provides me more power to abstain from the full range of the pedal stroke. My leg strength comes from my cross-country running for climbing on my bike.

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

His physiology is impressive! ❤ Not all bikers are him !

[@daltonlightfoot6889]

Way to go! Great advice.

[@chivacetana]

Andrew is a legend!

[@fannyheck4663]

I love the mountains! But I am certainly not made for them, pushing through anyways ;) And enjoying the suffering I build muscle really easily, even just by riding my bike and do power based sports as well, so I’m quite a bit heavier than the pure climbing girls and guys I often ride with. But I loose them on descends and pull them back into town on flats so I can patch my hurt ego as im being left in the dust as soon as we hit a mountain :D

[@MarcShoup-lr5bw]

fills my 10x15 foot bedroom with plenty of cool air. The remote is so handy by the bed at night.

[@frankling9840]

Thanks for putting yourself through that for my enjoyment Andrew... your records are safe from me. But if you could grab us another beer whilst you're up, 🍺

[@DavidS358]

Great insight and what a rider! Just to even things out when is Andrew putting Connor through his paces ?

[@martin-f5482]

for me as an German guy it's totally clear why he ist so fast, he'e riding on the wrong side of the road... so he has to be quite fast

[@glennicol1361]

I would like to see Andrew do the Taiwan KOM... That would be interesting!

[@swites]

6.1w/kg for 20mins in the off season is not too shabby! I can but dream...

[@swites]

My best 1min is slightly higher but 43seconds later my power is the same as Feathers 5min power when he's unfit in the off season! Pretty crazy how efficient he is.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Andrew is amazing. But discussing anatomy and no mention of physique/body shape - it does make a difference.

[@BigTimeZergRush]

I dont know if it was mentioned but what cassette and crank set does Andrew use? I use to live in the flattest of flat lands, and I just moved to an extremly mountainous area (avarage grade of 8-9% for 3-4km but goes much higher is some spots) and need all the help I can get.

[@rob-c.]

On his race bike it’s 38 (or 42) tooth chainring on a Rotor Aldhu carbon crank. The cassette is a modded 11-28, where he removes two of the sprockets and spaces the cassette outboard for better chainline.

[@BigTimeZergRush]

@@rob-c. ah thanks for the info I'm using almost the same then (just not the modded cassette).... But guess I need to get better at climbing cause for me with a 28, I'm still grinding very hard in some spots lol

[@thenobleist9262]

Send him to the states! I want to see him do Pikes Peak, Park2Park, Mauna Kea, Mount Lemmon, and the Sandia Crest!

[@PhiyackYuh]

Why dont u come to uk and do the hill against him instead aye mate 😊

[@nycbliss]

I have the anatomy of the SAG wagon driver…but I still enjoy riding my bike 🚴💨

[@JoelZeigler-d2j]

If he hasn’t done it, I suggest that Andrew do the amount Washington hill climb. (New Hampshire, USA.

[@AngelaMcCuiston]

I'm a sprinter, so endurance, whether flat or a.climb is difficukt but I almost never get out of the saddle because it gasses me almoat immediately it's a last ditch effort, I do 95% of climbs seated - I'm interested to know if it's because of fast vs. slow twitch fibers, height, gender or just an individual thing?

[@scottbollinger3641]

I LOVE YOU YOUR CANNEL !!

[@scottbollinger3641]

…oh , I love climbing..

[@nightrush4969]

Perfect!

[@sopianwahyudi]

Andrew is a monster climber for sure

[@matthewfyffe8688]

A question for dr ollie, Wondering the aero/time loss taking his hands off the bar to start and stop his wahoo. Would a bleep button on his bars save time even if it ads weigh?

[@ltrtg13]

I don't even have the anatomy of someone who watches others ride up hill. Let alone ride up hill myself. I do have the anatomy of someone who would willingly use a up lift.

[@xandershawvlog]

Phil Gaimon is in Europe. Let’s see him, Ed and Andrew go at each other.

[@harvindersinghuppal2162]

Aside from UK Hill climbs (which we know Andrew's excelled at ...closely followed by Tom Bell) ... but is there a European or World champs for hill climbing? Would love to see a head to head with Tom or one of the strongest Tour riders.

[@MTBScotland]

My output, as a 48 year old overweight bad diet asthmatic fool that just started training in December Vs Andrews in brackets. I can hold Andrews 5 min (MAP) wattage for 30s 😂 30s 428W (795W) 1m 359w (584w) 5m 211w (469w) 20m 174w (416w) w/kg FTP 2.23w (5.8w)

[@andreaonyoutube9560]

Last name Feather seems appropriate, feather power up IRL (vs on Zwift 😜)

[@oliverbacon8073]

81.6 VO2 MAX, thats crazy

[@jrclad2964]

Compared to what?

[@bradrogers2427]

@@jrclad2964 81.6 VO2 Max is a number 99% of the population could never achieve if they quit their job and trained full time with a team of coaches. I'd say your average amateur cyclist has a VO2 max in the 55-65 range, with some elite riders going up into the lower 70's.

[@jrclad2964]

@@bradrogers2427 Thank you very much for the answer. I meant how about Pantani, Indurain and such... cyclist of the 90's and early 2k's.

[@bradrogers2427]

@@jrclad2964 Greg Lemond reportedly had an otherworldly VO2 Max of 92.

[@jrclad2964]

@@bradrogers2427 Now you are talking ! Thank you very much.

[@glennicol1361]

I would also like to see Andrew and Ed Laverack race up Alp De zwift.

[@aintnobodygottime4dat]

Very interesting.

[@Dragandspinn]

Let an new rider help other new riders. 1 year ago I gave up on running and picked up this sport. I watched a video of a pro during a stage where he averaged 440 watts for about 50min! Not having a means to measure my output I went to a gym on a stationary bike and commenced to do 400 watts for 40 seconds! You read that correctly 40 SECONDS. So at 100kg I would have to put out 600 watts for 20 minutes! How in the name of all that is holy is a human even able to do this? However I can now do 350 watts or so for 8 min!

[@lukewalker1051]

416 ave watts for 20 minutes. I believe read someplace that Lance who weighted a bit more than Andrew could put out 500 watts for 30 minutes if true or not. All freakishly high numbers and no surprise why Andrew can climb like a Billy Goat. All I can think about when looking at power numbers of great climbers is Peter Sagan who never won the Tour de France because at his body weight, he just didn't have to the watts/kg to compete in the mountains at the highest level. Takeaway: Andrew doesn't follow a specific training plan. Can't pick your parents and best to be born with natural ability to do something others can't do as well. No amount of regimented, science based training will overcome somebody with superior genetics who spends a lot of time on the bike. Proven throughout the world in every small town where cyclists know who the fastest riders are.

[@Alan_Hans__]

I am proud to say that not 1 of my local Strava rides Andrew has beaten me. PLEASE don't send Andrew to central Victoria in Australia so that I can keep this record intact ;)

[@leewood4825]

Would be interesting to put him on a strict pro plan and food etc. to see the difference. Could it be the marching for the Alpe KOM? 🤔

[@BoomsRiddico4868]

What! How can he say he is not a ‘serious’ cyclist!!! He may not be pro but he IS a serious cyclist!!

[@emmabird9745]

I am in awe. His figures make my 1.8 w/kg look small. Did I see that wrong, or hasn't he got plugs in his bar ends. If so a real danger in a crash. The way we see him ride, why not cut the hooks off and save a bit more weight?

[@HkFinn83]

Yes that’s right. And yes you’re right it’s probably not the safest either. In the pre ‘aero’ era we were all obsessed with weight. Some people in the hill climbing scene would do unbelievable things like drilling holes in chainrings to save a gram her and there😮

[@nicolasremillard3491]

Rowan Barret is kind of the person to beat here in Qc for hill climbing. Not sure if he's Andrew equivalent, but who knows...

[@chrisridesbicycles]

He is such a natural talent. Not even a structured training plan. Looking for challenges? As a hill climb specialist he is trained to go up with fresh legs. Let‘s see how much is left after 4hrs hilly terrain and simulate a mountain top finish. Other idea: Let him set a time on this year‘s Giro mountain TT course.

[@curtvaughan2836]

Why am I not surprised that he only weighs 63 kg (138 lb)? Light weight person + light weight bicycle = potentially great climber.

[@tweedledee4605]

There’s not many people that can push 420 for 20 at 68kg, his numbers at 63 are even better, I’m pretty sure he hit 10w/kg at national champs in uk.

[@LeighGuilbert]

What are GCN’s recommended cafe stops in Bath? Thanks.

[@CatManDoSocial]

Very nice. Super cool guy.

[@MikeNjenga6915]

Those calf muscles!! 🙆🏽‍♂🙆🏽‍♂

[@MarcShoup-lr5bw]

Color: Blackwhite 54cm/3 Spoke

[@timotius]

Cool story! It inspired me to ride more hours on a bike.

[@chrisstrider]

What a climber !! I think I ll stick with barends tho’

[@thergood2706]

You need to collab with Magnus Mitbo and put climber vs. climber against eachother

[@HKRoad]

I think Andrew could save even more weight by removing his saddle and seatpost altogether. Never uses them so why take them up the hills!

[@thedownunderverse]

4:20 ❤

[@willmo1725]

Just eating less? Like half rations? I eat 1/2 cup oats every morning. Was my idea to cut meat consumption, ie fat. 1/4 oats more fruit? Just kinda wondering thanks.