Training Strategies for Competitive Cyclists

In this conversation, Brendan Housler and Owen Cole discuss various aspects of competitive cycling, focusing on training strategies, race preparation, and the importance of general fitness. Owen shares insights from his recent race experience, emphasizing the need for adaptability in training and racing tactics. The discussion also highlights the significance of endurance training and the balance between intensity and recovery in a cyclist's regimen.Even if you aren’t racing at Owen’s level, we highlighted some simple aspects of his training that you can apply to your own!Here are some of his simple gems:Focus on general fitness rather than overly specific training. Owen emphasizes that "being generally fit is more important than anything" because race situations can be unpredictable.Ride at the bottom of zone 2 for endurance training. Owen advises keeping endurance rides at "the very bottom of zone 2" to avoid excessive fatigue.Incorporate time on your time trial bike before doing intervals on it. Owen suggests doing "an endurance ride or an easy ride on it the day before" intense sessions.Don't fixate on power numbers during races. Owen says "power numbers don't win races" and can mess with you mentally if you're off your normal values.Balance training stress with life stress. Owen tracks exam dates in his training calendar to manage overall stress load.Don't overcomplicate things. As Owen puts it: "There's nothing crazy to it."Manage recovery time well, especially during tapers before big races.Remember that non-training factors are crucial: "There's no point in pushing the training to the limit if you're not going to do these other things" like sleep, stretching, and proper nutrition.Include variety in your workouts and "don't do the same workout too many times."Train all your energy systems to be prepared for any race scenario.Thanks, Owen! Find him on IG here:https://www.instagram.com/owenrcole/Chapters:00:00 Welcome!00:41 Introducing Owen Cole: Redlands Stage Winner & Evoke Bike Coach00:52 Simple Training Principles for ALL Levels (Even if You're Not a Pro)03:39 Redlands Stage Race Breakdown: Tactics, Goals, and Course Overview06:35 Balancing Training for Diverse Stage Races: TT, Climbs, Sprints & More08:08 Owen's Training Philosophy: Endurance Focus & Strategic Intensity16:56 Wind Tunnel Secrets Revealed: Equipment, Position & Surprising Findings20:51 Race Prep & Tapering Strategies: From Stage Races to One-Day Events28:47 Racing at Altitude & The Winning Stage 2 Breakaway at RedlandsJoin this channel to get access to videos a month early! And it directly supports the channel so we can bring you more content!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS9FDuHl_qp8ajqQuWwNtew/join👋🏽 If you're new to the channel, welcome! Check out some other training resources below, like our new TrainingPlans Store!Training Plans Starting at $19! https://www.evoq.bike/training-plans 🚀TrainingPeaks Store Programs: https://tinyurl.com/TP-Store💥Ketones, Delta G Tactical: https://www.deltagketones.com/EVOQ20 CODE Brendan for 15% off😈 Lactigo: www.lactigo.com/brendan MORE WATTS and LESS BURNFull Blog With Training Tips: www.evoq.bike/blogSubscribe to Our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ggRc4nFollow Along on Strava: https://www.strava.com/pros/5889EVOQ Training Packs: https://www.evoq.bike/training-packs Airofit: https://www.airofit.com/?sca_ref=476545.3AVnm3vdGWBest Chamois Cream: https://www.hellobluecbd.com/, Code BrendanCordyceps Mushrooms: https://shop.realmushrooms.com?ref=62 Best shades: https://www.julbo.com/en_us/Calorify: https://calorify.com Discount Code EVOQDonate to EVOQ.BIKE for all the Free Content: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=U3YMCAUEMQ4PC