Winter Cycling Training for 2016

Cycling Training

Its mid-November and the 2015 season is long behind us. The end of season break is over, and its back to training for 2016. Here is a quick Q&A with Luke and Dani, about their off season and getting back in to training.

cycling training cycle training cycle coach cycling coach

Cycling training cycle training cycle coach cycling coach

Off season – typically taken during October once all racing has finished, the off season is a chance for professional cyclists to recharge their batteries, go on holiday and spend a month like a ‘normal person’, seeing friends and family. 

 

Q – What did your off season look like?

 

Luke – I had about 3 weeks off, where I went out for the odd ride on the mountain bike, or to the café. Super relaxed, and I only rode if I wanted to. I had a few nights out, a load of food and my Stag Do in Dublin.

 

Dani – I took almost a month off the bike, with the odd ride here and there. I went on holiday to Dubai with my fiancé (Matt Rowe), which was just what the doctor ordered – plenty of relaxing in the sun. Straight from Dubai I raced London 6 day, which was a great event, but I come straight in to it from a month off the bike so struggled. It would be great to do it next year with a bit more form, as it was a cool event.

 

Q – Are you ready to start training again?

 

Luke – For sure. I’ve put on a little weight, relaxed and enjoyed myself but I am a bike rider and its what I love so am ready to rock and roll again.

 

Dani – Absolutely. It kind of feels weird not riding a bike and having nothing to do other than enjoy yourself! Its great having time on my hands, but I like the routine that training gives and feel ready to crack on with next season.

 

Q – What are your plans for training until Christmas?

 

Luke – For me, it’s about getting the body used to being sat on a bike again and getting some steady rides in, out in Monaco, where it’s warmer than Wales! I also have a Team Sky camp before Christmas.

 

Dani – This is the first winter I have ever had where I am totally focused on the road, so its slightly different this year compared with what I have done previously. A lot more miles this winter, with no real requirement to be riding that hard this side of Christmas, unlike the track where most days we would be hitting the boards flat out.

With the weather so bad in Wales, I will head to somewhere a bit warmer for sure – starting with a training camp with Wiggle Honda in Calpe, Spain which I cant wait for.

 

Q – Do you use a Turbo Trainer in the winter?

 

Luke – the only reason I would use a Turbo is if the weather is bad, as I prefer riding on the road, so hopefully not.

 

Dani – Yeah, I will use a Turbo when the weather is bad. Riding the Turbo is also really time efficient, so is handy when I have commitments with sponsors etc. It can be a bit mind numbing, but its fine as long as I don’t end up riding it too often.

 

Q – Any tips for winter training?

 

Luke – Find a group to ride with when possible – the winters are long if you do a lot of riding on your own. I try and get out with at least one other person every day, which is fairly easy living in Monaco with so many pro bike riders around.

 

Dani – In the UK, the winters are so cold so make sure you are dressed appropriately. Get some good winter kit – thermals, overshoes, gloves, and mudguards and a must.

 

Enjoy your bike riding!

Luke & Dani

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