Read my quick guide to cycling threshold training to understand how I, as a cycling coach, use this popular technique. In my last post I wrote about my approach to polarized training, having used this method for twenty years. However, I did point out that, although polarization works for most people, it isn’t suited to […]
When I started out as a cycling coach it is fair to say hardly any cyclists knew about polarization. But did you know highly decorated British cyclists Nicole Cooke followed a polarized plan? Now it is a hot topic with whole websites devoted to the principles of polarization. But what is it? And is it
Polarized training secrets- a cycling coach reveals all! Read More »
I’m pretty sceptical when it comes to cycling supplements, and for good reason. In most cases, there just isn’t good quality scientific research to support their use. However, this doesn’t seem to put off supplement companies selling large amounts of these products. There are a few exceptions that are supported by high quality studies, provided
do your cycling supplements contain what you think? Read More »
Sometimes modern technology just can’t beat simple low-tech solutions. The Talk Test may be the perfect solution for cyclists bored of looking at screens, or for those who just don’t have the budget to keep up with tech. In a previous article I wrote a brief introduction to the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). In
The talk test: a very simple way to set training intensity Read More »
When I take on new clients the single biggest training mistake I see is that they just aren’t training hard enough. I’ll explain in the post how I think this happens and what can be done about it Defining threshold I assume that if you are reading this you are a reasonably experienced athlete and
As a motorcycle and cycling coach I want all my athletes to succeed but sometimes it is more important to measure performance and not results. In fact, even when you are winning lots of races focussing on personal performance is more beneficial than worrying about the outcome. I’ll explain why using the lens of some
Why you must Measure Performance and not Results Read More »
In my role as a coach, I am acutely aware of the importance of promoting recovery after training. Recovery allows your body to return to a physiological steady state and promotes adaptations to occur. When planning your training you should therefore also think about planning your recovery. Here are some thoughts and tips to help
A question I often get asked is, “Do I need to include running in my cyclocross training? After all, if cyclocross races involve an element of running surely it must be useful to practice this in training. The majority of cyclocross races are mostly ridden on the bike with relatively short periods where the rider dismounts to
Do I need to include running in my cyclocross training? Read More »
If you are thinking about how to transition between road and cyclocross racing you are not alone. Hopefully this post will give you some ideas to think about when planning your training. Many riders race cyclocross as well as road with a number of riders having done this very successfully. For example Marianne Vos, Mathieu van
If you are training for a sportive these tips will help you to achieve your goal. Novice or expert, knowing how to train for a sportive will make the experience much more enjoyable. Choose your sportive wisely Your first task is to choose a suitable event. If you are an inexperienced rider or haven’t previously