The efficiency of pedalling technique has been a source of controversy amongst exercise scientists, coaches and cyclists for over 100 years. Biomechanically, it has been shown that orienting the pedal tangentially to the direction of motion of the crank provides the greatest force
effectiveness. This is commonly referred to as "ankling". Ankling may enable greater mechanical efficiency but this, in itself, does not guarantee improved performance, because the greater mechanical efficiency may be at a cost of reduced biological efficiency. The effect of ankling on biological efficiency has not previously been investigated and is the primary focus of this thesis.