Cycling is a low-impact, weight-supported sport, but the prolonged static position and the thousands of pedal strokes per ride expose you to very specific overuse injuries, often linked to bike fit. That’s what makes it a sport you can practise long-term, provided your position suits your build. HOPP was designed by FIFA-certified sports physios to help you understand your injury and get back to it without getting hurt a second time.
The most common cycling injuries
The prolonged static position and the repeated pedalling motion expose you to specific injuries, often linked to bike fit rather than trauma.
The most common, and why
Quadriceps tendinopathy
— knee overuse from too heavy a gear or a poorly adjusted saddle.Low back pain
— very common, linked to the prolonged forward-leaning position on the bike.Iliotibial band syndrome
— common with poor knee alignment linked to cleat positioning.Psoas tendinopathy
— overuse linked to the prolonged flexed hip position.Carpal tunnel syndrome
— nerve compression linked to prolonged hand pressure on the handlebar.
Find your cycling injury
8 cycling-related injuries are covered by the HOPP app. Select the one that matches your situation to access dedicated content: how the injury happens, the likely cause, and a suitable programme.
Not sure exactly what you have?
Take the HOPP test and get a clear answer about your injury.
Cause #1: an unsuitable riding position or bike fit
Training volume, hilly terrain: these factors play a role, but the most common cause of cycling injuries lies elsewhere. In the vast majority of cases, it’s a saddle, cleat or handlebar setup unsuited to the rider’s build that creates repeated strain on the same area, thousands of times per ride.
The most common mistakes
Riding with a saddle poorly adjusted in height or fore-aft position
Using poorly positioned cleats, creating poor knee alignment
Increasing long-ride volume too quickly
Repeatedly pushing too heavy a gear
HOPP physio tip
before blaming just your ride volume, the first question to ask yourself is almost always the same: is my position on the bike properly set up? That’s the factor most often at fault, and also the easiest to fix once identified.
The risks of doing nothing
Continuing to ride without understanding what’s going on is never a good strategy. Without proper care, a cycling injury almost always follows the same script.
What you risk without proper care
An injury that gets worse if you keep riding without adjusting your load
A longer recovery period than with prompt care
A higher risk of relapse on your return, if the cause hasn’t been treated
HOPP takes care of every cyclist profile
A long-distance sportive rider, a Sunday cyclist, someone who commutes by bike every day: every profile has different needs, but none is left out by HOPP.
The profiles HOPP supports
How HOPP supports you, day after day
Since riding position is the leading cause of cycling injuries, it’s also the first thing HOPP helps you manage better. Every morning, you indicate how you feel, and your programme adjusts accordingly: a bit more load if all is well, a bit less if the area is complaining. The programme helps you find the right dosage, ride after ride.
Good to know
HOPP is an injury information tool designed by sports physiotherapists. It doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Does HOPP replace a medical consultation?
No. HOPP is an injury information tool designed by sports physiotherapists, it doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion. It gives you clear, quick guidance to understand your situation and know how to act, and directs you to a professional if needed.
Do I need to stop cycling completely during the programme?
Not necessarily. The programme adapts to your injury and how you feel each day: depending on the case, ride volume or intensity may be temporarily reduced, rather than stopping cycling altogether.
I’m just starting out in cycling, is HOPP right for me?
Yes. The programme is calibrated to your actual practice, whether you’re just starting out or have been riding for years. It’s not designed only for experienced cyclists.
How long before I feel an improvement?
It depends on the injury and how long you’ve had it. You get a first clear explanation in 3 minutes, then the care programme gives you a realistic return trajectory, adjusted every day based on how you feel.
What if my condition doesn’t improve with the programme?
You can talk it through by teleconsultation with an expert sports physiotherapist to review your situation. HOPP also directs you to a medical consultation if your symptoms require it.
Is the 3-minute test really free?
Yes, the test that explains your injury is free and with no commitment. You then freely choose whether you want to start a suitable care programme.
Ready to get back to cycling without delay?
Start your personalised programme today, without waiting.