As a coach I am often asked by athletes whether they are better off to go and do structured efforts on a solo ride or to join a local fast group ride instead? It is a good question which has a multifaceted answer and one in which I enjoy exploring with different athletes. As with […]
3 Ways To Improve Your Winter Training
Skills and technique Long endurance rides can be boring, especially when completing such rides on a regular basis with no social group rides to join. Make your endurance rides more productive or add some structured intensity to your winter training by working on your skills and techniques. Mountain bikers could complete offroad intervals to develop […]
The Pros and Cons of Training on a Home Trainer for MTB Racing
With winter in full swing in the Southern Hemisphere and the bitter months not far awaiting those in the North, the use of the home trainer for cycling activity normally does or starts to consume more of our cycling time. This can be daunting for some whilst others relish the opportunity to get their training […]
Training For the Crocodile Trophy
The Crocodile Trophy has been through many variations over its 25 year history. From an utter gruelling misery march across Australia to a shorter stage race focusing on singletrack racing. The modern Crocodile Trophy offers a complete MTB experience for all styles of riders from the old school hardened racer who wants to hammer out […]
Surviving a Training Camp or Cycling Trip
A sunny training camp is a great way to kick start the new race season and a mid season cycling trip is a great motivator but how can you maximise the benefits and survive a huge week on the bike? For most of us taking a week off work and jetting off to another country […]
Why should I go on a training camp?
Training camps have long been a part of the sport of cycling. At the high performance level and also for the recreational ‘weekend warrior’. But why spend money and time to go to a usually obscure location to ride your bike for a number of days? Wouldn’t spending time in the comforts of your own […]
Understanding Training Peaks Part 1 – Free vs Premium Account
Understanding Training Peaks, a new Series from our European editor and cycling coach Ben Thomas. Part 1 discusses the various websites available to store and analyse your rides, and the differences between a free and premium Training Peaks account. If you track your rides chances are you’ll be uploading to an online system, there’s so […]
Gran Canaria – Training Haven
Back in February Ben Thomas Coaching hosted coaching clients and guests in the training haven of Gran Canaria. These weeks were a key part of preparation for the 2018 season. Here’s my view on this ‘Training Haven’. Whilst I’ve worked for guiding companies in the past this was my first attempt at hosting a training […]
Mountain bike tips for road riders
It’s inevitable – in time many road riders find the pursuit of pavement pounding on narrow tyres a little… plain. The enlightened cyclist chooses to ride both on road and off, and if you’ve seen the way and want to expand into the world of dirt, we’re here to help. Mountain biking has a slightly […]
How to train for a marathon mountain bike race
Responding to popular demand, we’re publishing a new series on how to train, prepare, and race your first marathon. Not your first marathon? Read on anyway and pick up some tips we’ve put together from years of experience. First up, here’s our best advice on how to prepare for your first marathon MTB race, including […]