In the genes: Meet the Georgi-ian dynasty

With more national titles between them than most of us have hand-me-down jerseys, the Georgis are one of Britain’s most decorated cycling families. But how much of their cycling excellence is genetic

The Georgi family (Andy Jones)

Do you ever look at your parents and wonder how their genetics have influenced your ability as a cyclist? Perhaps you go well on big mileage, or fall apart in hot conditions, or favour long efforts over sprints – just like your sporting parent or sibling.

The study of genetics in sport is a poorly funded area of science, despite the interest, with a paucity of good-quality studies tracing the links between genes and performance characteristics. Though we can’t be specific, we know there is a significant genetic influence on how people perform in a sporting setting – and, from simple observation, that sporting success often runs in families. 

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Chris Marshall-Bell

A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and feature writing across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013.


Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in a number of places, but mostly in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains.


He lives in Valencia, Spain.