Question: This is my first season doing Cat 4/5 road races. So far I've ridden a few criteriums and just finished a stage race. I'm happy with my results and starting to think about how to be in really good shape for next season. To gain experience, I'm planning to continue competing once or twice a week -- a short Thursday night criterium and then a longer weekend race. Is … [Read more...] about How Hard Should You Train Around a Bicycle Racing Schedule
1Training & Health
How Can a Flatlander Survive a High-Altitude Ride
Question: I live in New Jersey's flatlands and have become interested in riding Colorado's Triple Bypass in July. I'm intrigued by the challenge -- not the distance as much as the 12,000-foot altitude. Can you give a sea-level rider some pointers? -- Lou F. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The Triple Bypass covers 120 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain over three high … [Read more...] about How Can a Flatlander Survive a High-Altitude Ride
What’s the Key to a Fast, Short, Under 10K Time Trial on a Bike?
Question: I'm 73 and aiming for the 5K time trial at the Texas Senior Games in 10 weeks. I wasn't happy with my qualification time even though I was doing 3 or 4 time trials of 5K each in training. What type of workout will increase my speed for this short but very intense TT? -- John H. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: As you note, a 5-km (3.1-mile) time trial emphasizes speed. … [Read more...] about What’s the Key to a Fast, Short, Under 10K Time Trial on a Bike?
How to Do 10/20 Intervals for Cycling Training
Question: In Supercharge Your Training, you talk about intervals where you go hard for 10 seconds and easy for 20 seconds, repeating the pattern many times. My question concerns effort and gearing. Do you recommend shifting to a bigger gear for the 10 hard seconds, then back down for the easy 20? Or should I simply use the same gear (assuming flat terrain), pedaling harder and … [Read more...] about How to Do 10/20 Intervals for Cycling Training
Am I Ready for Brevets?
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. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: I consulted with some veteran brevet riders (randonneurs) on … [Read more...] about Am I Ready for Brevets?