CrossFit vs cycling: Which makes a fitter athlete?

In a recent challenge, Simon Richardson took on Gladiators' star Giant in a series of cycling-related challenges to find out who would come out on top. With Si somehow taking a resounding victory, we decided to step things up a level for him in this next gladiatorial challenge. Not only will his competitor be CrossFit athlete Zack George, but this time the challenges will not be as stacked in Si’s favour. Instead, they will be going head-to-head in one cycling challenge and one CrossFit challenge with the aim of evening out any advantages.

Who is Zack George?

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George was named the fittest man in Britain back in 2020

Zack George is a prominent figure in the world of CrossFit having competed in some of the toughest CrossFit events around the world. Back in 2020 George was crowned Britain’s fittest man by Men’s Health Magazine making him the perfect opposition for Si to battle against. When he isn’t competing on the world stage George can be found on the popular TV show Gladiators under the name of 'Steel'.

• Read more: Si Richardson versus the world's strongest cyclist - who is fastest?

Challenge 1: CrossFit Cindy test

The first challenge that Si and Zack are undertaking comes straight from the world of CrossFit. The Cindy test is an AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) test that CrossFit athletes use to benchmark their fitness. It consists of five pull-ups followed by 10 push-ups followed by 15 bodyweight squats. This is then repeated as many times as possible within the 20-minute test window. It sounds pretty intense!

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Although it might be a body weight circuit the Cindy quickly took its toll

With all of the exercises in the Cindy test performed against body weight, Si does hold an ace up his sleeve weighing some 30 kilos lighter than Zack. The issue is that the reps very quickly start to add up and for someone who spends little time working on their upper body the Cindy test can be a cruel and painful experience.

• Read more: Strength training for cyclists: is it worth it?

It is almost guaranteed that Zack would wipe the floor with Si in this challenge, given that Zack expects to hit around 30 rounds within the 20 minutes. However, it's interesting to see how Si copes with the repetitions of pull-ups and push-ups. To help him along, he uses a resistance band to help with the pull-ups. Very quickly though, it is the push-ups that start to take their toll.

Challenge 2: Cycling ramp test

With the first challenge still burning, the boys get ready to take on the second challenge of the day, one which should play in to the hands of Si. A ramp test is a standard cycling testing protocol that sees riders pedal at a fixed wattage that increases at a controlled and regular interval. As the test progresses riders will accumulate fatigue until they cannot ride any more.

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The ramp test was a sufferfest for both athletes towards the end

Starting with plenty of fatigue still lingering in their bodies from the Cindy test, both Si and Zack begin this test initially at a relatively easy intensity before the regular increases in resistance start to bite. With Si having spent years riding similar tests to this and spending considerably more time on the bike than Zack you'd think he'd have this one in the bag, but does it all go to plan?

• Read more: Should we all be doing ramp FTP tests?

To find out who was crowned the fittest out of these two titans make sure to watch the video linked at the top of this page.

For even more challenges like this make sure to head over to the challenges section of the GCN website and let us know who you think Si should take on next.

Simon Richardson

GCN Presenter

Former pro road and mountain biker racer