My Journal
The talk test: a very simple way to set training intensity
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 single biggest endurance training mistake
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 […]
Why you must Measure Performance and not Results
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 […]
smash your recovery with this essential advice
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 brief and fascinating history of road bike gears
When I first started cycling road bike gears were always a topic of conversation. But now, as a cycling coach I only occasionally discuss gear choice with riders. This is undoubtedly becasue the number and range of gears on a bicycle has increased considerably. Consequently most riders have more than enough choice for a race. […]
Why now is a good time to choose your cycling coach for 2023
I appreciate the 2022 road season hasn’t yet come to a close but now is a good time to think about your cycling coach for this winter and into 2023. In this article I cover some of the reasons why it’s time to think about who that might be. ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix […]
Do I need to include running in my cyclocross training?
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 […]
Cycling Coach to the Coaches
I am well known as a cycling coach but what people may not realise is that I have been a coach to many other coaches. My aim in this post is to give a little insight into this part of my work. Coaching Philosophy I have for nearly all my working life been a teacher. […]
Men’s world hour record attempt throwback
This year marks seven years since I coached Alex Dowsett to the Men’s World Hour Record. Look out for an upcoming post where I reflect upon what I have learnt as a coach since the record attempt. For now, this is what I posted on my old site at the time of the event: ‘What […]
how to transition between road and cyclocross
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 […]