Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

WHAT DATA IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR CYCLISTS | Pro Cyclist Hannah Otto | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 564

Dec 18, 2025
Guest
Hannah Otto
Hannah Otto, a professional cyclist and coach with extensive experience in off-road racing, dives deep into the world of cycling data. She discusses which wearable metrics truly matter, cautioning against relying too heavily on inconsistent readings like HRV and readiness scores. Sleep tracking's reality is addressed, along with insights on nutrition, glucose monitoring, and hydration strategies. They emphasize actionable data, the importance of cooling during indoor training, and maintaining balance between structured workouts and racing for optimal performance.
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INSIGHT

Performance Trumps Predictive Metrics

  • Performance itself is the best indicator; metrics are secondary and can mislead if overvalued.
  • Train to exist in uncertainty and execute with confidence regardless of noisy indicators.
ADVICE

Use HRV As Confirmation, Not Command

  • Use HRV and resting HR retrospectively to confirm feelings, not to dictate training decisions.
  • If metrics contradict how you feel, treat them as a prompt to investigate, not an automatic rule.
INSIGHT

Wearable Numbers Vary By Device

  • Different devices produce different sleep, HRV, and RHR readings, so absolute values vary across wearables.
  • Consistency and long-term trends matter more than single-day readings from any one device.
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