A quick post on the importance of race day preparation, but this is nothing to do with training, instead, I want to write about organisation. After all the hard work of seemingly endless hours training through the dark winter days...
With the cyclocross season coming to a close it is usually a time for reflection, thinking about what went well and what went not so well. There may be things that you want improve for next season. As part of...
Promoting recovery after training is very important as it ensures that your training is as effective as possible. Recovery allows your body to return to a physiological steady state and also allows some adaptations to occur. When planning your training...
It can sometimes be difficult to decide on clothing for cycling in autumn; one day might be pouring with rain and the next can be blazing sunshine. It’s often too early for winter tights and jackets but you probably need...
For those new to the sport of cyclocross, the subject of tyres, treads and pressures is pretty mysterious. For those who have been riding for some time it becomes a subject of obsessive proportions! Choosing the right tyres for cyclocross...
The cyclocross season is here! It really doesn’t seem that long ago that I was in cold and snowy Italy for the Fiuggi round of the Cyclocross World Cup with the Italian Cycling Federation. In the blink of an eye...
One tool for improving cycling performance which not every rider knows is Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). This is an easy method of assessing training load which can be used to plan your training. Heart rate monitors power meters and...
A question I often get asked is, “Do I need to include running as part of my training for cyclocross?” because, after all, if cyclocross races involve an element of running surely it must be useful to practice this skill...
If you are thinking about how to transition between road and cyclocross racing you are not alone and hopefully this post will give you some ideas to think about when planning your training. Many riders race cyclocross as well as...
What an amazing six days I spent in Manchester last week coaching Alex Dowsett in the build-up to the hour record. The Movistar team were a pleasure to work with as we carried out the final preparations and testing for...
I was honoured to be interviewed by Road Cycling UK a few weeks ago about the work I have been doing with Alex Dowsett as he trains for his hour record attempt. Although I couldn’t go into too much detail on...
Hi, I’m Mark Walker and I’m a sports science consultant and professional cycling coach. I’m passionate about cycling and have helped many cyclists to improve their performance with coaching advice backed by the latest scientific research.
Find out more about me here
