Question: I have an important duathlon coming up in three weeks. I'm very fit and my recent races have been personal bests or close to them. But I'm worried about what to do between now and the big event so I don't overtrain but still stay sharp. The cycling portion will be 25 miles. -- Cody H. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: It sounds like you've trained well and are … [Read more...] about How Should I Train Close to an Important Event?
Time Trialing
How Should I Warm Up in the Rain for an Event?
Question: How should I warm up for a time trial on a rainy day? I don't want to get my trainer drenched, so in the past I've waited until 20 minutes before the start, gritted my teeth and ridden some short, hard efforts. That hasn't worked very well. What's the best way? -- Bill S. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The standard approach on a rainy day is to use a trainer under a … [Read more...] about How Should I Warm Up in the Rain for an Event?
How Can I Drop a Wheelsucker?
Question: How can I drop a wheelsucker? In a recent 25-mile race, I was unable to do it and lost in a sprint. It was hard to take because I've beaten the guy handily in time trials. -- Jim P. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Your question opens up the big area of race tactics. We haven't gotten into this much at RBR. But because of the volume of mail I get with questions such … [Read more...] about How Can I Drop a Wheelsucker?
Tales of a Mobile Wind Tunnel Bike Fitting
Sandy Scott is a multiple Florida, Georgia and national time trial champion across numerous distances. Sandy's is an amazing cycling story: Now 72, he didn't take up the sport until age 64, and soon afterward broke his neck in a time trial. He has, in one of his favorite phrases, been "kicking butt" since. Click to watch an interview with Sandy that tells of his … [Read more...] about Tales of a Mobile Wind Tunnel Bike Fitting
Crankarm Study Says Length Doesn’t Matter
By Coach Fred Matheny Have you ever wondered why bicycles come with a relatively narrow range of crankarm lengths? Most cranks commercially available range from 165 to 175 mm. This 1 cm span equals about 1/3 inch yet is supposed to fit riders from under 5 feet tall to well over 6 feet. Very tall cyclists can buy 180-mm cranks from a few companies, but that's generally … [Read more...] about Crankarm Study Says Length Doesn’t Matter