Santa Cruz Bicycles’ Keegan Swenson joins us to discuss what type of training best raises FTP, what pro athletes eat on and off the bike, the world’s most aspirational Strava segments and much more in Episode 296 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast!
Time Trial Training: How To Be a Faster Time Trialist
Time trialists must effectively train the ability to pace their highest sustainable power over time trial distances and, along the way, build toughness, get accustomed to uncomfortable positioning, and ultimately get faster. This guide covers everything you need to be a faster time trialist.
Legs vs. Cardio, Warming Up, Speed Wobbles and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 215
Join us live for Episode 215 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! We’ll be discussing the common saying of legs or lungs failing first and the science behind that, what happens in your body during a warmup, what speed wobbles actually are and how to avoid them, and much more!
How Do I Achieve the Proper Balance of Power, Aerodynamics, and Sustainability?
Answer: It’s a process, and every rider will come to a different balance that suits them. Every step in the process can yield more power, greater aerodynamics, and/or higher levels of sustainability. Who Knew There Was So Much to Time Trialing!? Going fast in a time trial is a marriage, if a polygamous one, of…
How Much Does Aerodynamic Drag Affect My Speed?
Answer: A lot. Structured training will get you faster, but structured training with a concern for aerodynamic positioning will have the greatest impact on your speed. What is Aerodynamic Drag? Aerodynamic drag, otherwise known as aerodynamic resistance, plays a major role in determining how fast we can push ourselves on our bikes. How much so…
How Do I Train After I Finish My Specialty Plan and Have No Upcoming Events?
Answer: Typically two weeks of recovery is recommended, but that timeframe could vary depending on your level of fatigue and motivation. Based on the amount of downtime you take, you can restart a Base or Build plan. Decide How Much Downtime You Need If you’ve just completed a Specialty plan and are focused now on…
Get Faster Now Without Aero Equipment
Faster time trials doesn’t mean you need the most aerodynamic equipment. Getting faster starts with doing the right things with what you already have. Not everyone is ready to invest in the TT bike, the aero helmet, the aero bars, the aero everything … We’re here to tell you that purchasing all the aero gear isn’t…
Why Did My FTP Go Down Between Training Phases?
Answer: Testing days aren’t always your best days. Muscle fatigue, unpreparedness for the discomfort of testing, poor pacing, or low motivation can all lend to a lower FTP result. When you test at a lower FTP, it commonly comes down to one, or a combination, of four things: 1. You weren’t sufficiently recovered following your…
Why Is There a TSS Drop from High-Volume Sweet Spot Base to My Build Plan?
Answer: The High-Volume Sweet Spot Base plan has a very specific training load, in both volume and intensity. This allows for a very high TSS relative to all other training plans. This high training stress score does not translate directly to other plans, including those in the Build Phase. High-Volume Sweet Spot Base is in…
Why Does TSS drop from the Build to Specialty Phase?
Answer: The emphasis is no longer placed on growing fitness like it was during the Base and Build phases; rather, the focus of the Specialty phase is placed on event specificity. A reduced TSS allows flexibility for weekly racing opportunities during the final phase before your key event. The Importance of Dropping TSS as You…