To become a better cyclist

Triathlon Forum
1

I hope to morph into a ‘better’ cyclist this summer and fall…I would really like to catapult my cycling skills for the duathlon/triathlon—I’m a top age grouper (20-24) right now and would like to go pro in the next couple years or so. How did you guys really bump it up on the bike? I am thinking of focusing specifically on a road season in order to really gain some strength and a sensibility for the bike, instead of trying to improve in mutiple disciplines all at once. I am thinking about maybe joining a local cycling team. Does this approach make sense?

It seems that multisport athletes have their background sport in which they excel, then try to improve in the other two simutaneously. I know the other two disciplines would suffer if all the energy went into the cycling, but what if I want to make a significant jump in that particular sport?

Last spring I rode about 5 times per week, a couple 1 1/2hour rides, a couple bike/run (90-120min block), and a longer ride 60 miles (good effort 3-3.5hours). I did single runs and about 2 swim workouts per week with a masters team. I doubled up 5-6 days a week.

Maybe you guys can post some specific programs with either a multisport focus or cycling focus so I can see how some of you train.

Any help would be appreciated. I’m trying to pool my resources. Thanks.

2

I like the structure that Rich Strauss provides in this his article “Force and Aerobic Threshold.” There’s a ton of other valuable information there as well.

3

I did like you are thinking. I did one “beginner” year. The mainly raced bikes, with some tri’s in year 2 to improve cycling. Riding with Cat 1-2’s will make you stronger. Trying to fit those into a tri-schedule when you can’t hang is hard, b/c you’ll redline and blow up alot on those rides/races.

Third year I sucked it up and got into Master’s pretty heavy, putting off some running too improve my swimming.

For me real success came once I could ride with roadies, swim with the fish at Master’s (or at least finish the workouts), and still not lose much on the track. And I’m not even close to being a pro.

But it’s good that you are thinking a couple years out, b/c that’s usually what it takes, long term planning. Coupled with focusing on weaknesses.

4

Start small and think down the road…You can easily over do it.

Email me at paul@t-rextraining and I will give my personal overview. I have been a pro as a runner, duathlete and cyclist.

Don’t bit off more than you can chew.