Mind Over Miles - Professor Michael Liebrenz - Head of the Department of Forensic Psychiatry. University of Bern, Switzerland
- What every cyclist needs to know about mental health, pain, and preparation for your big rides and events?
- The universal truths of the cycling brain that encompass the professional peloton to the the recreational cyclists?
- What the evidence tells us about mental health risks and preparing for your next big ride?
Professor Michael Liebrenz
The Professor lives what he researches
"What every cyclist needs to know about mental health, pain, and preparation for your big rides and events."
Welcome to London - Professor Michael Liebrenz
"It was serendipitous that our paths eventually crossed. Whilst researching my current book, The Cycling Addiction, Michael's name kept coming up on tangential research papers. We were both interested in the competitive cyclist's brain - motivation, variance, potential problems etc.
We corresponded and spoke many times, which culminated in me flying to Zurich to meet Professor Liebrenz and his PhD researcher, Alex, at the World Championships.
The collaboration and sharing of ideas and research continues and the book is progressing well.
Both Michael and I are pleased and energised that the whole subject matter of cycling mental-health has exponentially gained acceptance and exposure since we started our respective work."
We are delighted to welcome Professor Liebrenz to London, for what we know will be a fascinating discussion.
Phil Cavell
"In my view, cycling holds unique potential for individuals with neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Its structured yet solitary nature makes it a sport that accommodates a wide range of needs"
Prof. Dr. med. Michael Liebrenz - a brief biography
Professor Michael Liebrenz is an associate professor for Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Bern, Switzerland, and head of the Department of Forensic Psychiatry.
Michael is a dedicated sports psychiatrist who integrates clinical care with innovative research to address the mental health needs of elite athletes and their unique psychological challenges.
Mental Health Support Hub
In collaboration with Swiss Cycling, the National Cycling Federation of Switzerland, Prof. Liebrenz established the Mental Health Support Hub Swiss Cycling, an outpatient clinic tailored to cyclists.
The Hub offers individualized mental health support, addressing critical issues such as transitions into and out of elite sports, career uncertainties, and the challenges of balancing life with the demands of high-performance competition.
Research Portfolio
Prof. Liebrenz’s dedication to sports psychiatry is reflected in his extensive research portfolio. His work includes:
- Studies on ADHD and its treatment in elite cycling cycling (Sports Psychiatry, 2022)
- Mental health resources within European cycling federations (Sports Psychiatry: Journal of Sports and Exercise Psychiatry, 2023)
- The psychological well-being of ultra-endurance athletes (Sports, 2023).
- Mental health challenges faced by high-performance cyclists (International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023
"It was serendipitous that our paths eventually crossed"
Mind Over Miles -
An evening talking about cyclists mental health and possible universal truths of endurance athletes
Doors open at 18.30 and the talk starts at 19:00
Rapha London Clubhouse - 85 Brewer St, London, W1F 9ZN
Book Beyond The Limits
The Cycling Addiction Series
The Cycling Addiction Series at Rapha
Book Talk
A Cyclefit Talk Series - Supported by Rapha and Bloomsbury Publishing