Does Cross-Country Skiing Work for Cycling Training?

Question: I live where the snow starts flying in October and ends in late June. I cross-county ski to retain my aerobic conditioning, but do you have any suggestions on how to keep my legs in cycling shape too? — Steve K.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The best advice I’ve heard is from three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond.  

Greg used to include a substantial dose of cross-countryskiing in his preparation for the European racing season. He said that if you ski hard and then get on the trainer two to three times per week for an hour each time, you’ll retain much of your cycling fitness through the winter.

My own experience supports this approach.