Sore ribs after cycling

guapos

Ive started doing some up hill cycling on a real bike (as opposed to the exercise bike) and am getting a pain in the muscles between my ribs. Has anyone else had theis problem before.

thanks

seamus

Have you ever had an injury to your ribs?

My guess would be two possibilities:

1. You're tensing as you climb and these muscles aren't used to tensing
2. You're breathing far heavier than you have before, stretching the intercostal muscles beyond what they're used to.

In either case it's like to be DOMS, give it two days and if the pain hasn't eased off, get yourself to a doctor.

Quigs Snr

I get this on extremely steep and long climbs from time to time. e.g. did a climb of around 18-20% for over an hour in the Canaries earlier in the year and my ribs felt bruised the next day. Its all the twisting and turning as you tense up to pull up on the bars as you lever the pedal down. It should go away in a few days, otherwise seek medical attention. Common enough though for me if the slope or duration is serious enough (If I were coaching you I would be telling you to get into the gym this winter and do some core strength work to help with this problem)

NeilMcEoigheann

it gets easier.

guapos

Thanks for the replies. I bruised the intercostal muscles 5 years ago but havent had any trouble since. The pain has gone away today so i guess ill just have to rest in between cycles and work on my core.

Thanks

billy.fish

Intercostals, make sure you are actually sitting upright when climbing, dont hunch over the bars and try to kiss the stem. Try slowing your breathing down.