Originally Posted by
chasm54
The supposed benefits of stretching are controversial theses days. Some swear by them, others say they're potentially harmful and there are some studies that seem to show they make no difference to athletic performance.
In my experience it is probably a good idea to incorporate some exercises that work on the hip flexors, hamstrings and lower back. They aren't strictly "stretches" but they do ensure a full range of motion. If ypu google for "hip flexor exercises" you'll find a ton of them.
More and more pro athletes are skipping the stretching entirely. It's no longer considered to be the injury-preventer it once was; pre or post. BUT, if it makes you feel better, then by all means do it. We ought to listen to our bodies at least as much as we listen to books and studies.
Worth noting the pros do still indeed use foam rollers and massages and wouldn't go without it. In fact, in the whole 'shaved legs' controversy; once doesn't have to look far through the peloton to find lots of thick beards; challenging the "aerodynamic" notion (though Team Sky did do wind tunnel testing and determined that shaved legs are a bit more aero). If you ask most pro cyclists; they ACTUALLY shave because it lessens the pain of road rash treatments, and it makes the recovery massage less painful!