Originally Posted by frogman

Are you a doctor dude ?

I am not and my info is based upon doctors and sports professionals educated knowledge on this. And you are wrong also about not having proof that it does work. I am not going to list a link of studies either. I don't need too, the doctor has done this for me.

At my last visit to my doctor we discussed stretching quite a bit. He was on the Raiders team of sports doctors and said one of the common injuries that football players
get is a pulled hamstring. He said that poor stretching technique or lack of stretching has been a cause of injuries especially a pulled hamstring. They treat this by resting, applying ice, and follow up with gentle stretching to prevent another injury. Other pro sports coaches and team doctors also advovate stretching to prevent injury. running, and go figure cycling, and other pro sports. Could they all be wrong ? haha
Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for strains, and muscle damage.
Now as non professional cyclists, most of us do not train at the itensity of the pros and I think that is where we get the bias towards stretching because we may not derive any benefit and falsely assume it has no value. It depends on your individual exercise intensity. I personally have benefitted from stretching and have recovered from injuries with stretching being the main component in the treatment plan. It is now a regular adjunct to my cycling.

In closing, if you don't want to stretch then don't , its your perogative.