Empirical Cycling Podcast Ten Minute Tips #64: Diagnosing And Training Weaknesses In The Off-Season
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Oct 2, 2025 Discover how to effectively diagnose and train your weaknesses during the off-season. The hosts discuss the opportunity costs of this strategy and when it may not make sense. Learn the importance of accurate assessments, from evaluating anaerobic capacity to understanding race tactics. They also explore the benefits of enhancing race skills through group rides and footage analysis. Finally, practical off-season tips on nutrition, strength training, and avoiding burnout are shared to keep your motivation high.
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Opportunity Cost Of “Train Weaknesses”
- "Train your weaknesses, race your strengths" has hidden opportunity costs that matter when planning training.
- Prioritize changes based on which interventions yield the biggest performance return for your goals.
Diagnose Only When Fresh
- Diagnose apparent weaknesses only when rested and not at season end fatigue levels.
- Verify recovery and proper preparation before concluding a limitation is true.
Check Recovery And Dose For Sprint Issues
- Check training load and timing before blaming genetics for poor sprinting.
- Ensure athletes enter sprint sessions recovered to reveal true sprint ability.