Question: I’m 5-foot-4, 128 pounds and 55 years old. When climbing in the hills around Palo Alto, California, I keep up with younger, stronger riders until the grade gets above about 8%. Then I go backwards. This seems to be a strength issue and I’ve been doing low-cadence, big-gear intervals. Should I add weight training? —…
Question: I’m training for the World Senior Games 40-km time trial in October. My two critical weekly workouts are intervals descending from 7 minutes down to 1 minute, each done harder than the previous one. I also do a pyramid workout featuring 4×2 minutes at 90% of max heart rate, 12×1 minute at 92%, and 12×30-second…
Question: I’m doing squats this winter but am unsure if added strength will help my cycling next season. I read the weight training chapter in your Off-Season Training for Roadies, but should I continue working so hard in the weight room? — Andy G. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The answer about whether strength training for legs…
Question: I’m a 51-year-old recreational rider with a decent sprint and above-average climbing ability. However, wind kills me! When I rotate to the front of a paceline, I can’t maintain the group’s pace if it’s even a little breezy. When I drop back, I often can’t hitch onto the end of the line, so I get…
