Time-Crunched Cyclist Questions Answered: Strength Training in Base Period & Road vs. MTB Training

Key topics in this episode:

Question 1: I'm a cross-country mountain bike racer. How much time should I spend training on the road vs MTB?

• Conditioning vs specificity
• Timing - when to focus more on road vs more on trail
• Examine your limiters, particularly technical skill
• What happens when MTB racers spend too little time on MTB during race season

Question 2 (8:30): When can I add strength training into my base training plan?

• Deciding whether bodyweight activation or heavy strength training is appropriate, based on experience and goals
• If experienced, reintroduce activation for 2-4 weeks before going heavy
• If new, minimum 6-8 weeks activation/movement training before going heavy
• Why base period is a good time for heavy strength training (if appropriate)

ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST

Links

• Mechanical Work of XC Mountain Bike Racing
• Podcast: Erin Carson
• Podcast: Sarah Scozzaro

Host
Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 years and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform

GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT

Join our weekly newsletter

CONNECT WITH CTS

Website: trainright.com
Instagram: @cts_trainright
Twitter: @trainright
Facebook: @CTSAthlete