University of Exeter Opens World-Class Sports Physiology Service Inspired by Elite Athlete Success

Professor Andy Jones testing Eliud Kipchoge

(IN BRIEF) The University of Exeter has unveiled its Sports Physiology and Exercise Training (SPET) service, giving athletes from all levels access to advanced physiological testing and expertise normally reserved for elite performers. The programme is led by world-leading specialists such as Professor Andy Jones, who supported Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon project, and Dr Tim Podlogar, whose work in cycling physiology has contributed to two Grand Tour victories. The service offers athletes tailored training zones, performance monitoring, nutritional and recovery advice, and overtraining prevention. A unique feature is Exeter’s personalised carbohydrate fuelling protocol, providing individual guidance based on scientifically validated methods. SPET is designed to help both amateur and elite athletes train more effectively and reach their full potential.

(PRESS RELEASE) EXETER, 29-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Exeter, a public research university, announces that it has launched a pioneering Sports Physiology and Exercise Training (SPET) service designed to help athletes of all levels – from beginners to world-class competitors – maximise their performance. Drawing on decades of scientific research and hands-on experience at the very top of sport, the initiative provides access to advanced physiological testing that transforms how athletes train, fuel, and recover.

Led by internationally renowned experts, the service brings world-class insights directly to local and regional athletes. Professor Andy Jones, one of the world’s foremost authorities on endurance performance, has advised Olympic champions and played a key role in Eliud Kipchoge’s record-breaking sub-two-hour marathon project. “The services we are offering here mirror those we provide to elite endurance athletes,” he said. “Our goal is to help athletes unlock their potential by training smarter and fuelling more effectively, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research.”

Joining him is Dr Tim Podlogar, a leading figure in cycling physiology whose expertise has supported professional cycling teams and contributed to two Grand Tour victories. Dr Podlogar highlighted the importance of precision testing: “Elite endurance sport depends on detailed knowledge of an athlete’s physiology to guide training. But this is just as valuable for amateur athletes. For those with limited training time, physiological testing ensures that every session delivers maximum benefit.”

The SPET service provides detailed insights across several key areas, including tailored training zones, progress tracking, nutritional and recovery strategies, and prevention of overtraining. A unique feature of the Exeter programme is its personalised carbohydrate fuelling strategy, developed by Dr Podlogar, which gives athletes customised advice on energy needs during endurance events. This scientifically validated approach has already been applied with some of the best athletes in the world, making it a distinctive offering in the UK.

By combining rigorous science with practical expertise, the University of Exeter is offering a service that enables athletes to move beyond guesswork and adopt data-driven approaches proven to deliver results at the highest level.

Media contact:
pressoffice@exeter.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Exeter