Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, a nutrition expert and coach at Eastern Oregon University, joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of carbohydrates for cyclists. They tackle the controversial question of high carb intake and its link to diabetes, deep-diving into insulin's regulatory role. Insights on insulin resistance highlight the importance of exercise and diet. The discussion emphasizes the significance of A1C readings and the need for balanced carbohydrate consumption, while also shedding light on the impacts of processed sugar on health and performance.

In this engaging discussion, Pete Morris, a former professional cyclist and owner of Free Lap Collective in Reno, shares insights on aging and athletic performance. He reveals strategies to counteract the decline in fitness as we age, emphasizing recovery and nutrition. The conversation also touches on the evolution of competitive cycling, including the rise of new stars and team dynamics in races. Listeners can expect amusing anecdotes about cycling events and practical training advice to help maintain peak performance.

In this engaging discussion, the relevance of Functional Threshold Power (FTP) takes center stage as hosts debate whether it should still be a primary focus for cyclists. They introduce new TrainerRoad features that enhance training personalization and emphasize the importance of durability alongside FTP. Critical insights on recovery practices highlight the risks of overexertion during rest intervals. Listeners will also gain valuable advice on balancing training with life's demands, making this a must-listen for cycling enthusiasts.

Hannah Otto, a professional gravel cyclist for Scott Bikes, shares her insights on optimizing Zone 2 training. She discusses common myths surrounding heart rate training and highlights the importance of balancing heart rate and power. The conversation delves into the significance of cadence in performance, especially for enhancing power outputs. Audiences can also expect tips on avoiding overtraining and incorporating effective recovery strategies, along with the mental aspects of cycling that contribute to overall performance.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Wild and Zach Calton, star members of Team CycleSport.com, recap their intense experiences at the rain-soaked Cape Epic 2025. They dive into the unexpected race day challenges, from torrential downpours to delays, and share their personal feelings of frustration and growth amidst the chaos. The duo reflects on the vital roles of community and family support, revealing how overcoming hurdles fosters resilience and connection in the world of endurance cycling.

In a challenging stage of the 2025 Cape Epic, riders faced horrendous mud and navigational misadventures. Personal struggles, like contact lens woes, added to the day’s difficulties. Mechanical issues tested their teamwork, yet camaraderie shone through amidst the chaos. The hosts share reflections on the race's brutality and the endurance needed to thrive in such tough conditions. As they gear up for the final stage, excitement and support from the biking community is palpable.

Zach Calton, a professional cyclist competing in the grueling Absa Cape Epic, shares his intense experiences alongside teammate Alex Wild. They recount the chaos of Stage 5, including a catastrophic bike failure and a dramatic crash that had them shouldering their bikes and walking barefoot. The duo discusses the mental hurdles of continuing the race despite adversities and the camaraderie among competitors. Plus, they offer a sneak peek into the challenges of the next stage, emphasizing the endurance required in this extreme competition.

This discussion dives into intense hydration challenges and the physical strains riders faced during competition. The hosts share hilarious yet relatable stories of leg pain and crashes, emphasizing the importance of pacing. They analyze race strategies and reveal their tactics for navigating descents. Excitement builds as they preview the demanding Queen Stage, anticipating the impact of light rain. Get insights into their training methods and the camaraderie that fuels their journey!

Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.comJoin the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2 Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00) Welcome!(00:13) Stage 3 Performance Recap(00:40) Battling the 104º/40º Heat!(01:28) Managing Nutrition and Hydration(03:14) Race Strategy and Competitor Dynamics(04:25) Course Details and Challenges(07:44) Weather Forecast and Equipment Adjustments(08:53) Looking Ahead to Stage 4Join us for Stage 3 recap of the ABSA Cape Epic 2025 with Team CycleSport.com’s Zach Calton and Alex Wild!40º / 104º temperatures made for a scorching day that even caused the race organizers to prematurely cancel the stage for amateurs at 2:00pm local time.Alex and Zach share how they adjusted nutrition, hydration strategies, and equipment choices that helped them cope with the grueling conditions. Support Zach and Alex by following their journey and engaging with them on instagram. Leave your comments and encouragement below!// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Watch Cape Epic Livestreams and Recaps: https://www.youtube.com/EpicSeries_Race_The_World - Support their sponsor, Cyclesport.com! https://www.cyclesport.com/- Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexwildmtb/ - Follow Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachcalton/ - Learn more about Cape Epic: https://www.epic-series.com/capeepic-event-route - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur- Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.comJoin the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2 Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00) Welcome!(01:33) The flat tire from hell(08:16) How to Recover from Adversity Mid-Race(11:32) Stage 3 2025 Absa Cape Epic(18:11) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJoin Coach Jonathan for a thorough breakdown of stage two of the 2025 ABSA Cape Epic with team Cycle Sports' Alex Wild and Zach Kelton. They discuss the challenges faced in a 66km time trial, including mechanical failures, and how they impacted the team's performance. Learn about the race rules, personal experiences, and the team's strategy moving forward. Support their racing efforts by following the sponsor links and using the discount codes shared in this episode!// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Watch Cape Epic Livestreams and Recaps: https://www.youtube.com/EpicSeries_Race_The_World - Support their sponsor, Cyclesport.com! https://www.cyclesport.com/- Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexwildmtb/ - Follow Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachcalton/ - Learn more about Cape Epic: https://www.epic-series.com/capeepic-event-route - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur- Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN