Training Articles

Improving Time Trial Performance - Spring 2006

The individual time trial is considered one of the most challenging events in road racing—and with good reason. In a TT there is no one else to rely on. It’s just you and the clock. And the clock feels fine. The suffering is all yours. While the suffering is not going to go away, it is possible to shorten it. Let’s examine how you can improve your time trial performance......more

Cyclo-cross: Setting Up the Training Plan - Fall 2005

Cyclo-cross racers can benefit greatly by using the principles of periodization to set up a structured training plan. This allows a steady progression of fitness before and during the season, leading to a fitness peak for the most important races of the year.....more

Surviving Short Stage Races and Omniums - Spring 2005

Stage races and omniums differ from single day races in that they consist of two or more races that are combined for a cumulative time or accumulated points to determine the overall outcome of the event. Training for and racing these events involves some unique training, tactical and recovery techniques that are a bit different than most one day race strategies. Let’s examine some ideas that will help the chance of success when competing in these types of events....more

Demystifying Altitude Tents - Spring 2004

For the past several years many of the world’s best athletes have been using altitude tents to simulate high altitude while at rest. This “live high-train low” approach has caused quite a stir among athletes, coaches and scientists. For most athletes, the whole idea of an altitude tent or chamber is a huge mystery. What is all this voodoo about? Does it really work, and if so, how much? We decided to put an athlete inside a tent to not only see if it lived up to the hype, but also to relate exactly what the experience is like. This was by no means a scientific “experiment” – there was no control – simply one athlete giving us subjective and objective data.....more

Cyclo-cross In Context - Fall 2003

With Fall upon us the start of the cyclo-cross season is quickly approaching. If you are a hard core ‘cross racer this is what you have been waiting for all year. If your focus is on other disciplines and you race ‘cross on the side, or if you are considering trying your fortunes in the mud this season for fun, you will need to think carefully about how ‘cross will fit into your annual training and racing plan..... more

Climbing: Flaot Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a ...- Summer 2003

Almost every rider wants to further develop his or her climbing abilities. The riders who are already good at it want to improve so they can decimate their rivals on the climbs, and the riders who suffer on the way up want to improve in order to be part of the race on the other side. What makes a good climber? Let’s take a look some concepts that play a large part in the equation....more

Pedaling 101 - Fall 2002

The words on everyone’s lips the last couple of seasons have been cadence and efficiency. Since Lance made his incredible comeback and subsequent Tour wins, the world of cycling has stood up and taken notice of his economical pedaling action and high cadence....more

Race Strategy and Tactics - Summer 2002

To the casual observer road racing looks like an individual sport. As riders and educated spectators, we know this is not the case at all. The sport is really like a complex chess game on wheels, in which attacks, blocks, and sacrifices are constantly being made right up until the finish line. The focus of this article is to give you some basic team strategy and tactic guidelines to think about for one-day road races and criteriums.....more

Cyclo-cross: The Toughest Hour in Racing - Fall 2002

The cyclo-cross season is just around the corner. Whether you are embarking on a full ‘cross onslaught with the National Championships as your goal, or just going out to have some fun in the mud for a couple of weekends, here are some training ideas to help make your Fall campaign a successful one....more

Heart Rate Training Zone Table

A quick guide to training zones based on the Lactate Threshold Heart Rate (LTHR)....more

e-Tips Archive

Links to Andy's library of e-Tips articles.....more