Long-distance cycling may seriously damage fertility

MEN who are too passionate about cycling could be pedalling their fertility away, it was claimed yesterday.

Scientists who studied a group of triathletes found the more they cycled the more damaged their sperm became.

Those who covered more than 300km a week had less than 4 per cent "normal" sperm. They were likely to be suffering significant fertility problems which could become permanent.

But the hazard did not just apply to superfit triathlon athletes, said study leader Professor Diane Vaamonde, from the University of Cordoba in Spain.

"We think all professional cyclists, and even people who are not professional but undergo high intensity or high volume cycling, could also suffer from these changes," said Prof Vaamonde, speaking at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual meeting. Men who regularly cycle shorter distances are not thought to be at risk.