The "Contenders"

Tying in with a five-part BBC1 television series of the same name, this book gives an insight into the impact of science and technology on the training and performance of sportsmen and women at the peak of their careers. It covers athletics, badminton, bowls, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling. The topics covered include why rowing and pursuit cycling are won and lost in the lab; why a urine colour-chart is the most important thing in a marathon runner's changing-room; and why top marksmen don't look at the target.