James Witts
Freelance sports writer
Former 220 Triathlon magazine editor James is a cycling and sports writer and editor who’s been riding bikes impressively slowly since his first iridescent-blue Peugeot road bike back in the 80s. He’s a regular contributor to a number of cycling and endurance-sports publications plus he’s authored two books. The first, The Science of the Tour de France, was an Amazon bestseller. The second, Training Secrets of the World’s Greatest Footballers, wasn’t. Both involved embedding himself with the world’s finest athletes to uncover the training, fuelling and tactical strategies that have taken them to the top. He also updated Haynes’ latest Bike Book. His academic background is English Literature and Sport Science. He can often be seen trailing his teenage son around the bike parks of the UK.
Recent articles by James Witts
Stop fasting, plan around your cycle and work on strength – how women can boost their fitness
Training advice often focuses on the needs of male bodies. Dr Georgie Bruinvels and British Cycling explain how female athletes can tailor their workouts
7 aero trends that will define cycling tech in 2024 and beyond
Two aero experts weigh in on the latest wind-cheating improvements
Cycling with a cold: when to stop, when to keep going and how to avoid illness
How do you know if your illness is so bad you shouldn’t cycle? BikeRadar speaks to three cycling doctors to find out
What is testosterone and why does it matter to cyclists?
Testosterone can have a significant impact on cycling performance. Here's everything you need to know
How safe are electric bike batteries? We investigate the surge in battery fires
Ebike and escooter battery fires are the fastest-growing fire trend in the English capital, according to London Fire Brigade
9 of the best energy bars for keeping the bonk at bay
A jersey-pocketful of the finest fuel for on and off the bike
How the Raleigh Chopper became a 1970s icon
Raleigh’s resurrection aims to build on a colourful and mysterious past that has made the Chopper one of the most iconic bikes of all time
Review | Wahoo Kickr Bike V2
Can WiFi connectivity justify the hefty price tag of Wahoo’s second-generation smart bike?
The best energy gels for cycling in 2024
A selection of our favourite mid-ride fuels
How a Victorian train tunnel was transformed into a world-leading aerodynamic facility
Catesby Tunnel was once an integral section of train line, but now it's a state-of-the-art testing facility
Bike prices will fall in 2023 due to excess stock, but not across the board
Stock clearances will lead to some bike bargains in the near future, but it's still not looking rosy for the industry
Bike-supply issues: when will the industry return to normal?
Bike shortages continue to afflict the cycling industry, but when will things return to normal? And how can you overcome these issues?
5 frontiers of cycling science that could make you faster in 2022
We head to the Science & Cycling Conference in Leuven, Belgium, to discover the latest cutting-edge findings in performance cycling
BikeRadar Rides | A lap of the Isle of Wight
Pristine roads and easy navigation make a lap of the Isle of Wight a must-do for roadies
Review | Garmin Forerunner 945
A high price that delivers high performance
Review | Huawei Watch GT 2 Sport
Does Huawei’s GT 2 cut it for cyclists?
Review | Polar Vantage V2
Sleek, attractive and fully functioned, does the Polar fulfil its promise?
Review | Garmin Forerunner 745
Does this runner’s favourite have enough appeal for cyclists?
Review | Wahoo Elemnt Rival
The turbo innovator enters the watch market… with mixed results
Review | Coros Pace 2 smartwatch
Cheaper, lighter and more productive? Enter the Pace sequel…
Pandemic vs Brexit – why have bikes got more expensive and harder to find?
Bike prices have rocketed, as have waiting times. More positively, so have cyclist numbers. We investigate the state of affairs (including unpicking the impact of the trade agreement)
Charge Plug 3 first ride review
An all-rounder made of aluminium
The rise of Rapha
An interview with Rapha's founder, Simon Mottram
Juliet Elliott talks racing, switching jobs and image
The former model and snowboarder has a life less ordinary