As a complement to continued cycling, weight training about 2X per week (legs) is probably a good idea. But it is a bad idea to think of it as something that takes the place of cycling itself. They need to work in tandem, with more emphasis on cycling.
haha Quite the variety of opinions!
I think suggesting that pros don’t burnt out is unrealistic. But yes, burnout is mental - different people are more susceptible than others. Having one’s livelihood dependent on cycling certainly helps you push through!
For more anecdotal evidence, I know of a really strong cycling who never rode a trainer in our (long) winter. He ski raced (classic and skate), spent a couple of weeks getting his cycling legs dialed when cycling season was about to start, and then crushed everyone. Another doesn’t race when skiing, has a slow start to the season, then peaks mid to late, and kills it in cyclocross. Both are cat 1/2.
But to get back on topic, I would definitely recommend an aerobic activity to compliment weight training.
Riding all winter is a recipe for burning out in July, which is fine if your focus event is in June.
i’m no doctor or shrink or have any degree, but i know when i was in my 20’s and racing quite a bit i rode all year long and loved it. i loved riding my bike. i think whether you burn out is whether you just love to ride. along with other factors, but to say if you ride to much or start to early you will do it, depends on the person.
In addition to what everyone else has mentioned, I found that core work and pylometrics really helped my cycling.
But I don’t ever take a break from the bike. I ride all year round, just at reduced intensity during the ‘off’ season. Instead of the road bike, I take the commuter and ride that around town just to keep the legs strong.
I agree with this too, I’ve been riding year-round since 2008, of course I’m down to 3-4 hours in the winter but I never really stop riding.
People told me I’d burn out but I’ve kept getting a little faster each year.
jaretj
im looking forward to being lazy til about jan or feb then ill be training hard again for 2012…im a pretty strong(by some standards, 2:2x half IM bike) cyclist and really strong runner…i feel i still have signifigant room for improvement on the bike…my question is this: would it help my cycling to go to the gym for 4 monthsand work on strenghtening the legs? keep in mind that once feb rolled around, i know i wouldnt have time for the gym anymore…what are your thoughts?
- What is the x? There is a big difference between 2:29 (22.5mph average) and 2:20 (24mph average).
- You say you are pretty strong biker, and really strong runner…hows your swimming?
John
im looking forward to being lazy til about jan or feb then ill be training hard again for 2012…im a pretty strong(by some standards, 2:2x half IM bike) cyclist and really strong runner…i feel i still have signifigant room for improvement on the bike…my question is this: would it help my cycling to go to the gym for 4 monthsand work on strenghtening the legs? keep in mind that once feb rolled around, i know i wouldnt have time for the gym anymore…what are your thoughts?
- What is the x? There is a big difference between 2:29 (22.5mph average) and 2:20 (24mph average).
- You say you are pretty strong biker, and really strong runner…hows your swimming?
John
Bingo.
I think cross fit would be your best bet.
I think you’re making jack cry.
Great success!
two words - Skate Skiing
a former teammate once did a winter of heavy xc skiing (skate). When spring rolled around he was super-fit. For skiiing. But he was disappointed to find that he was behind those of us who just rode all winter.
But your skiing friend maintained great aerobic fitness, general leg strength, probably helped ensure muscle balance, maybe even had fun getting out of the basement. Riding all winter is a recipe for burning out in July, which is fine if your focus event is in June.
QFT!