Meet the team

At the University of Exeter’s Sports Physiology and Exercise Testing service, our team consists of world-renowned experts in endurance performance, physiology, and sports science. With years of experience working both in research and with elite athletes, our specialists provide cutting-edge insights to help you maximise your potential.

Professor Andy Jones

🏃 World-Leading Authority on Running Performance

Professor Andy Jones is one of the most respected figures in endurance sports science, with a distinguished career in physiological research and performance optimization. His expertise in aerobic capacity, lactate thresholds, and exercise economy has contributed to record-breaking athletic achievements.

More about Andy:

Played a pivotal role in Eliud Kipchoge’s historic sub-2-hour marathon as a scientific advisor.
Research has shaped modern understanding of critical speed, oxygen uptake kinetics, VO₂max and running efficiency,
Worked with Olympic and World Championship medalists, optimising their performance strategies.
Published over 250 peer-reviewed scientific papers on endurance physiology and performance.

Andy’s academic website

Dr Tim Podlogar

🚴 Leading Sports Scientist in Cycling

Dr. Tim Podlogar is a highly respected cycling physiologist and nutritionist who has worked at the highest levels of the sport, helping elite cyclists and triathletes reach peak performance. His research and applied work focus on fueling strategies, energy metabolism, and training efficiency for endurance athletes.

More about Tim:

Worked with professional cycling teams, developing strategies for training, nutrition, and race execution.
Played a crucial role in two general classification victories in Cycling Grand Tours, helping riders optimise performance through cutting-edge physiological and nutritional approaches.
Specialises in carbohydrate metabolism, fat oxidation, and hydration strategies to enhance endurance performance.
Published research on nutrition and energy demands in professional cycling.

Tim’s academic website

Aitor Altuna

Aitor Altuna is an internationally respected cycling coach and exercise physiologist whose blend of scientific rigour and applied experience has helped elite cyclists and triathletes win national, continental and world championships. His research and practical expertise focus on training optimisation, training adaptations, intensity distribution, and the mathematical modelling of physiology and performance.

More about Aitor

Former head of performance of the Spanish national track cycling team
Performance consultant of the Spanish Cycling federation, supporting the para-cycling and road programmes.
Investigates the management of training intensity and load to optimise training adaptations
Integrates the mathematical modelling of physiology and the physics of the sport to optimise race-day performance

Rebekah Osborne

Rebekah Osborne is a Nike funded PhD student and Northern Ireland international middle-distance runner. Rebekah has experience working with the world’s best middle and long-distance runners and enjoys helping athletes of all levels reach their full potential. Her PhD research is investigating the determinants of successful middle-distance running performance and interventions for optimising performance.

More about Rebekah

Graduated from the University of Exeter in 2021 with a First-Class Honours Degree in Sport and Exercise Medical Science.
Has experience working with athletes from club level up to Olympic champions.
Specialises in optimising middle and long-distance running performance, modelling and predicting performance, physiological assessments, training guidance and ergogenic interventions.