What we learned watching and racing cyclocross for 7 days straight, how to get the best TT bike fit, how to use extra weight to your advantage & more in this week’s episode of the Ask a Cycling coach Podcast. Topics covered in this episode What we learned from CX Nationals How to get…
What Every Racer Should Know About Number Pinning
Every second counts on race day. Don’t let a poorly pinned race number add time to the clock and get in the way of your next win. How Athletes are Pinning Their Race Number Wrong The most common mistakes racers are making when pinning their race numbers is either positioning the number out of view…
Are Wide Tires Better, The Fat Burning Zone Myth, Brick Training & More
Are wider tires really better, what intensity is best for fat burning and can you brick strength training and cycling workouts? Get the answers in Episode 131 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! Topics covered in this episode TrainerRoad Party at Cyclocross National Championships! We’re hiring software engineers! Apply here. Why you should sync…
Time Trial Training and Preparation: 11 Things to Do Before Your Event
So you signed up for a time trial? Follow this 8-week timeline to learn how to train and what to do to prepare for your event. 8 Weeks Out 1. Enter your Specialty phase of training Two months is the ideal amount of time to start honing in your training and fitness to match the…
Time Trial Training: Practice Workouts Designed to Make Cyclists Faster
The 40k TT Specialty training plans include dedicated weekly Time Trial workouts to provide riders with opportunities to ride at their time trial pace, in their time trial position, at roughly time trial durations. These TT-focused workouts are specifically designed to help you achieve your fastest outcome on race day. Examples of Time Trial Workouts in…
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…