Episode 32: Training Considerations for Gravel Racing with Guest Ben Sharp

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In this episode of ‘All Things Endurance,’ host, Rick Prince chats with elite cycling coach, Ben Sharp. Ben is the co-owner of Sharp Coaching and has coached all levels of cyclists from amateurs to Olympic gold medalists. Ben himself is a masters track cycling world champion and former US masters national road race champion. 

In this episode, Rick and Ben discuss the rise of gravel and more specifically, how to train effectively for gravel racing and how it differs from training for other cycling disciplines. 

Some of the areas discussed are:

·       Key differences between road and gravel cycling

·       Importance of sustained power

·       Role of volume in training program

·       How to train for bike handling skills of gravel riding/racing

·       Different tactics based on the goal of a gravel race

·       How to properly warm up for a gravel race

If you participate in gravel riding/racing, you won’t want to miss this one!

Talking Points for this Episode

1.       Could you tell our listeners a bit more about your background?

2.       As road racing has been on an unfortunate steady decline over the years in the US, gravel riding and racing has largely taken its place. What are some things that you attribute the rise of gravel to?

3.       Do you now see gravel replacing road racing as a means for US riders to get noticed and possibly, land pro contracts in Europe?

4.       What are some of the key differences with respect to training for gravel versus road?

5.       We hear about power training a lot with respect to cycling, how important is sustained power during gravel racing?

6.       What are some key bike-specific considerations with gravel riding/racing?

7.       A lot of gravel races cover long distances, would you say that for the average gravel rider/racer, endurance is one of the biggest success factors?

8.       Following up on the prior question, for the average gravel rider/racer, do things such as sprint training and high-intensity intervals still have a place in training?

9.       How important are bike handling skills for gravel riders/racers and more specifically, what are some of the more important bike handling skills to master?

What, if any tactics are different in gravel racing versus road racing?