Another key ingredient to training to be an endurance athlete of any sort is nutrition. Understanding this, Testa and Heiden have incorporated TOSH's Nanna Meyer — a sports nutrition specialist with a doctorate — into the camps. Meyer brought the campers into TOSH's unique "Athletes Kitchen," where she prepared meals and information ideal for the lifestyle cyclists live.

After testing sessions and group rides, those at the camp were treated to lectures in the evening from Heiden, Testa and Meyer where all the numbers printed out on sheets of paper were put into context and interpreted.

While few cyclists will ever approach the level of competition Leipheimer is capable of, the camps can help a cyclist of any level improve.

"I was hoping to get a better idea of my physiologic foundation and where I stand as a cyclist," Ogden's Scott Major said. "So mainly, the testing was the most important part of the camp for me. I am meeting with Dr. Testa next week to lay out some plans for the next few months, and hopefully I can go upward from here. Sometimes as an athlete, you aren't sure what area of training you need to focus on, so I've also gained some insight there."

If Testa and Heiden have their way, cycling — either competitively or for recreation — will not only be a lifelong activity, it will be a life-prolonging activity.

Heiden-Testa Cycling Camps

The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital

Institute for Sport Science & Medicine

5848 S. 300 East

Murray, Utah 84107

Phone: (801) 314-4100

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com