Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

UNBOUND GRAVEL TRAINING | SOFÍA GOMEZ VILLAFAÑE & KEEGAN SWENSON | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 532

May 22, 2025
Sofía Gomez Villafañe, a professional cyclist specializing in gravel racing, and Keegan Swenson, an expert in both gravel and mountain biking, share their experiences as they prepare for Unbound Gravel. Sofía discusses her tapering techniques and how drafting rules may shift women's racing strategies. Keegan reveals insights on altitude training and his tire preferences. They delve into optimizing bike setups and the importance of heat training, providing invaluable tips for cyclists looking to enhance their performance.
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ANECDOTE

Sofía's Dynamic Tapering and Training

  • Sofía adapts her training and taper dynamically based on recent racing and how her body feels.
  • She uses hard group rides in Tucson to build confidence and test her fitness and form.
INSIGHT

Changing Dynamics in Women's Gravel Racing

  • Unbound Gravel's women's racing format and start groups have evolved yearly, changing race dynamics significantly.
  • The removal of drafting rules in women's races introduces unpredictable and more decisive racing dynamics.
ADVICE

Leg Discrepancy Shoe Setup

  • Use leg length shims and specially designed shoes with interchangeable pontoons to correct leg length discrepancies.
  • This improves pedaling steadiness and comfort especially in mountain bike shoes that have side contacts.
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