cycling race
23/08/2023

We prepare for a cycle race

Although the season 2022 is coming to an end, Not all cyclists focus on MTB or road federation tests. There is another aspect of cycling that brings together the majority of users: the cycling races. These tests, which can be road, gravel o mountain bike, They have more and more participants and cycling clubs that register and prepare to arrive in their best shape..

In this article we will talk about how to prepare for a cycling race, the differences in training compared to professional cyclists and how to organize preparation effectively.

Input, We can be guided by an old entry from our blog, where we talked about 10 training commandments in a general way in which we laid the foundations of preparation for any user.

Differences in the preparation of a cycle tourist

The amateur cyclist or cycle tourist has limitations that professional athletes do not experience in such a marked way.. Preparation should fit your work schedule, personal life and motivations. In many cases, The amateur cyclist combines long work days with training, so organizing the week efficiently is key. Listen and understand needs will allow you to optimize performance without generating overload.

Intensity vs.. Volume: key in preparation

One of the most important combinations to prepare for a cycling race is to balance intensity and volume. Vacation or holiday periods are ideal for planning long outings and high-volume work., while in times of high work or personal load, It is advisable to prioritize fractional or shorter sessions.

Volume work will be strategically distributed away from important tests, allowing the mind and body to progressively adapt before the main events.

Bike-specific training

The preparation must be done with the bike that will be used in the cycle touring race.. If the challenge is an MTB test, The previous weeks will focus on mountain biking to improve safety, training control and specificity. If it's a road race, the priority will be the road bike, always adjusting training to the final objective.

Bike-specific training

Going out in a group helps you stay motivated and enjoy training. Groups are especially useful in preparing for a cycling race., since they provide social support and allow you to maintain your rhythm during long outings.

⚠️ Attention: not all group outings are beneficial; Some mix very different levels and the intensity can be excessive if we are in recovery periods or returning from an injury..

Intensity and strength to perform better

To successfully face a cycling career, it is advisable to combine:

  • Extensive or long workouts (90-108% FTP) to improve endurance.
  • Strength exercises on and off the bike.
  • A correct periodization, alternating loading and recovery blocks.

The objective is to improve physical performance without overloading the cyclist.. Listening to your body remains the best strategy to progress safely.

Preparing for a cycling race requires planning, organization and adaptation to personal needs. The volume combination, intensity, specific training, Group work and periodization will allow you to arrive at the test in the best conditions and enjoy the experience to the fullest..