Beyond the Bike Fit: Meet the Ironman Doc Who Can Tackle Your Injuries and Health Issues

As a bike fitter, my world revolves around the intricate relationship between rider and machine. We tweak, we measure, we analyse. We chase down that perfect harmony of comfort and power. But sometimes, the conversation shifts. We’ll be discussing saddle comfort, and suddenly we’re talking about prostate health. A conversation about cleat position reveals a story about a decade-old knee injury that just won’t go away. Sometimes, solving discomfort means going beyond the bike fit, this is when you need a doctor who understands cycling injuries and health issues, and has the endurance athlete experience to back it up.

A familiar frustration often surfaces: “My GP doesn’t really get it,” or, “The wait for an NHS appointment is just too long.“

What if you could talk to a doctor who not only understands the human body but also understands the unique demands of turning the pedals for hours on end? A doctor who has felt the burn of a 70.3 triathlon and knows firsthand what a mysterious knee twinge can do to your training plan?

Well, you can. I want to introduce you to Dr. Ralph Mitchell.

Who is Dr. Ralph Mitchell?

I first met Ralph a few years ago when he came to me as a customer, needing some work done on his wheels. Since then, he’s been in for a bike fit, and we’ve discovered a shared passion for all things two-wheeled. But Ralph’s expertise extends far beyond the bike shed.

He’s been a qualified GP since 2015 and spent eight years as a GP partner in a Leicestershire practice. But his qualifications don’t stop there. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Medicine and a diploma in MSK (Musculoskeletal) medicine. This isn’t just a doctor; this is a doctor who specialises in the very stuff that makes us move, ache, and occasionally break.

His sporting CV is just as impressive. He’s a keen cyclist and Ironman 70.3 finisher with his sights set on the full distance. He’s also been a team doctor for Wasps Rugby, Leicester Tigers, and worked at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Twickenham internationals. He understands the pressures of high-performance sport because he’s lived and breathed it from the inside.

Bridging a Gap in Healthcare for Cyclists

Ralph is still fully committed to the NHS, but he recognised a need. He saw an opportunity to provide the same evidence-based, patient-focused care in a setting where people can get help quickly, with the time and space needed for a proper assessment.

He has now set up a private GP practice at the One Clinic in Leicester.

His goal is simple: to offer high-quality general practice care blended with his specialist MSK and sports medicine insight. It’s a space where you get appointments with enough time to actually be heard and understood. It’s for when you feel your cycling-specific problem needs a cycling-specific expert.

Why This Matters for You

Think about it. You come for a bike fit because you know that an expert eye can solve problems you can’t see yourself. You trust me to use my Cytech qualifications to service your bike because you want it done right. Why should your health be any different?

Here are a few areas where someone like Ralph can be invaluable:

• Nagging Injuries: That knee pain that only appears after 50 miles? The shoulder ache from hours in the drops? Ralph has not only the diagnostic tools but also the personal experience to understand the context. He’s even documented his own journey with a knee injury on his excellent Instagram page, @medalsandmedicine.
• Saddle-Related Health Concerns: Conversations about saddles can often lead to bigger health questions, like prostate health and PSA tests. Having a frank discussion with a doctor who understands the specific pressures of cycling is a game-changer.
• Performance & Longevity: Ralph’s focus isn’t just on fixing problems; it’s about long-term health. On his social media, he talks about optimising his own health for longevity—to be an active dad and future grandad. This is about more than just your next sportive; it’s about enjoying a lifetime of healthy activity.
• Getting a Diagnosis: When something feels off, the first step is understanding what’s actually going on. Ralph can help diagnose the issue, providing clarity and a path forward, whether it’s a referral for imaging or a targeted rehab plan.

A Trusted Professional and a Top Bloke

I’m telling you all this because I’ve gotten to know Ralph. He’s a down-to-earth, friendly, and personable guy. He’s the kind of professional you feel comfortable talking to about anything, which, let’s be honest, is half the battle.

Having access to a GP who understands cycling health, who combines top-tier medical knowledge with their own genuine passion for cycling is a massive asset for our community in Leicestershire. It’s about connecting the dots between the bike, the body, and your overall wellbeing. He is the doctor who understands cycling injuries and health issues.

So, if you have a health concern that’s impacting your cycling, or just a niggle that you can’t seem to shake, now you know who to call. Your bike is in good hands here, and it’s good to know there’s someone who can look after the engine with the same level of expertise.