Question: I'm 33 and getting back into racing after 13 years out of the sport. My problem is that I get blasted off the back of criteriums when the speed increases. I've been doing steady-state intervals at my lactate threshold, but they don't seem to work. Should I continue with these workouts ordo more intense intervals? -- Patrick S. … [Read more...] about An Interval Workout to Prepare for a Criterium Bicycle Race
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Can I Train on the Road for an Off-Road Race?
Question: How can I use my new road bike to train for a 40-mile mountain bike race in early September? My plan is to ride 30 miles at least once a week in July and increase to 40 miles in August. Does that sound reasonable? -- Jim G. … [Read more...] about Can I Train on the Road for an Off-Road Race?
Can I Train Well Even With a Job and Family?
Question: Although I've been riding competitively for years, I have trouble balancing my training with my wife's schedule (she also rides), the demands of our 4-year-old son, and my job. My typical training week includes one long weekend ride, a recovery ride and two short tempo or interval sessions. That's all I can manage. And our son brings home colds, which are … [Read more...] about Can I Train Well Even With a Job and Family?
Will Cycling Up Hills in Big Gears Hurt My Knees?
Question: A friend tells me that I can improve my climbing power by riding a steep half-mile-long hill in the big ring at a slow cadence. Wouldn't that ruin my knees? – Jerry S. … [Read more...] about Will Cycling Up Hills in Big Gears Hurt My Knees?
What Climbing Cadence is Best for Knees?
QUESTION: I've heard that it's better for knees if you spin a lower gear on climbs rather than mash a big gear. Why is it harder on the knees to pedal at a slower rpm? What about pedaling slowly when out of the saddle? -- Jim M. RBR REPLIES: Good questions! The important element here isn't the total time taken to climb the hill, but rather the total load on the knees during … [Read more...] about What Climbing Cadence is Best for Knees?