Question: I’ve been doing twice-weekly leg exercises in the gym since last season and have made significant progress. At the beginning of March, I cut back to one session per week. Experienced racers say that a weight program should be discontinued during the season, but some coaches claim that if you stop lifting, all the…
Question: I’m a 42-year-old recreational rider who does squats to build leg strength. But I’ve read that specificity is important in weight training to transfer the gains to the bike. Assuming that’s true, should I do single-leg squats instead of regular squats? — Joe F. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Good question, Joe. A number of strength-and-conditioning…
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 former wrestler, 5-foot-8, 165 pounds with 8% body fat and very large arms and chest. Despite my small stature, I need to buy XL jerseys and cut the cuffs to get them over my arms. Does this muscle hurt my climbing? — Jim D. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Excessive upper-body muscle is…
Question: I want to attempt a brevet series (rides of 200, 300, 400 and 600 km) in the spring to qualify for the 2003 Paris-Brest-Paris. I can do 25 miles pretty comfortably right now, averaging 15 mph, 2-4 times weekly. How important is it for me to do rides of 3-6 hours? — Bill P….
