[cowmoo728]

it's also true for people in cgs (centimeters, grams, seconds) sports like running, cycling, and lifting. if you look at the best in the world (pogacar, ingebrigtsen, blummenfelt) they don't look like fitness models. they look surprisingly normal. carrying "extra" body fat is helpful for training recovery, hormone levels, mood, and sleep. if the sport requires getting lean to hit a weight target for a specific event, athletes can do that, but they shouldn't stay ultra lean during the majority of their training.

[nradov]

For Grand Tour cycling stage races, the GC contenders typically start the race carrying a few extra kg (although still very thin). This helps a bit to avoid getting sick or fatigued during the early stages and they know they'll gradually lose the extra weight as the race progresses.