I Asked A Pro Rider About His Training - Here's What He Said With Darren Rafferty EF EDUCATION

Dec 18, 2025

Darren Rafferty is a professional cyclist with EF Education–EasyPost, known for his impressive climbing skills and experience in Grand Tours. In their conversation, he shares the intense daily routines and sacrifices of a pro cyclist, including the importance of nutrition and mental approach to training. Darren also discusses the evolving youth training landscape and how financial resources enhance team dynamics. He reveals insights on race strategy, team culture, and his aspirations for future Grand Tours, showcasing the grit behind the pro cycling scene.

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INSIGHT

Routine Beats Glamour

Pro cyclists live highly routinised, boring days where consistency matters more than glamour.
Darren Rafferty says habit and autopilot replace discipline for daily training and recovery.

ADVICE

Make Nutrition Objective

Use objective tools (weigh-ins, Hexos) to remove moralising around food and make nutrition decisions simple.
Keep restraint pragmatic: enjoy treats occasionally but stay consistent with daily needs.

INSIGHT

Money Fuels Rapid Team Growth

Money accelerates team performance by funding coaches, equipment and better riders, creating a snowball effect.
Darren admits investment is a core driver behind rapid team rise and results.

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We’ve just started to build something really cool. Want to be one of the first to join? 👉 https://www.skool.com/roadmancycling/aboutWhat does a day in the life of a pro cyclist really look like?In this episode, I sit down with one of the fastest-rising talents in professional cycling, EF Education–EasyPost’s Darren Rafferty. On the surface, you see a calm, composed rider lining up at races like the Giro d’Italia. But behind the scenes is a world of pressure, expectation, and sacrifice that few ever talk about.From growing up in Ireland to navigating brutal WorldTour setbacks and breakthrough wins, Darren opens up about the realities of life inside one of the top teams in the world. This is pro cycling, unfiltered.

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