Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

Hannah Otto, a professional cyclist for Scott Bikes and Pearl Izumi, shares her triumph after winning the Cross Country Marathon National Championships. She dives into her training regimen and the hydration strategies that helped her excel on a challenging course. The conversation extends to race-day execution, including power management and climbing techniques. Coach Jonathan also shares his experience at the Tahoe Trail 100, discussing pacing strategies that led to his qualification for Leadville 100. The episode wraps up with insights on navigating aid stations and racing dynamics.

Pro cyclist Ryan Standish from Scott Bikes and Rocket Sloth Co. shares his insights on achieving peak performance while juggling life’s demands. He dives into high-altitude training strategies, emphasizing how to adjust power targets and pacing for endurance events. Ryan discusses his recent race experiences, revealing the crucial role of consistency in training and nutrition, especially around carbohydrate intake. He also highlights the importance of enthusiasm and personal satisfaction in the sport, making the journey as enjoyable as the results.

Alex Larson, a nutritionist dedicated to enhancing cycling performance through proper nutrition, joins the discussion. They dive into the critical role of dietary variety, revealing its impact on performance and mental health. Pre-race nutrition strategies and hydration tips are explored, emphasizing sodium intake and meal timing. Listeners receive practical hacks for quick meals and insights into balancing convenience with nutrition. They also touch on adapting nutrition for challenging heats while preparing for major races like Leadville and the Death Ride.

Hannah Otto, a professional cyclist racing for Scott Bikes, shares her gritty experiences from intense races like Unbound. She discusses the underestimated importance of cadence, revealing how low cadence can hinder performance and fatigue resistance. Insights into nutrition and training for multi-stage events, like the Tour de France, highlight caloric needs and energy management. Additionally, Hannah dives into the challenges of pacing on mountainous trails and the mental toughness required to overcome adversities in cycling.

Join Alex Wild, a Team CycleSport athlete, as he tackles the challenges of VO2 max training. He shares mental strategies to overcome limitations during grueling intervals and emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset. Discover how AI can tailor training plans for better performance and why gear choices matter in races. With tips for the Tahoe Trail 100, including pacing and nutrition, Alex offers valuable insights for cyclists looking to enhance their endurance and efficiency on diverse terrains.

In this engaging talk, Will Girling, a nutritionist for Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe, shares his expertise on pro cycling nutrition. He introduces the controversial mid-race strategy known as 'carb bombing,' which involves consuming high carbs for performance boosts. Will discusses the importance of sweat testing and hydration strategies, especially in extreme heat. He also highlights the evolving understanding of sodium intake and its effects on athlete performance. Listeners gain invaluable insights into optimizing their nutrition for cycling success.

Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, a coach from Eastern Oregon University and mentor to elite athletes, dives into the fascinating relationship between keto diets and cycling performance. He discusses how carbohydrate intake can significantly influence high-intensity training and explores the science of fat oxidation. Dr. Pfaffenbach also emphasizes personalized nutritional strategies, the importance of balanced macronutrients, and the potential benefits of fasted training for cyclists aiming for peak performance.

This discussion tackles the frustration of not seeing expected training results. Coaches analyze performance across different events, highlighting the role of consistency and terrain variations. They dive into the significance of power metrics, especially on climbs, and emphasize structured training zones. Nutrition strategies for endurance rides are explored, alongside tips for assessing training effectiveness and optimizing race prep. With practical insights, this conversation aims to quench athletes' doubts and boost their performance.

In this engaging discussion, dietitian Alex Larson shares insights from his first gravel race and offers practical nutrition strategies for athletes. He delves into the challenges of the Unbound Gravel race, emphasizing pacing and preparation. Alex also recommends essential supplements and discusses the importance of balancing nutrition with mental health. With a focus on whole foods versus supplements, he encourages athletes to adopt a sustainable, individualized approach to nutrition, fostering both performance and well-being.

Sofía Gomez Villafañe, a professional cyclist specializing in gravel racing, and Keegan Swenson, an expert in both gravel and mountain biking, share their experiences as they prepare for Unbound Gravel. Sofía discusses her tapering techniques and how drafting rules may shift women's racing strategies. Keegan reveals insights on altitude training and his tire preferences. They delve into optimizing bike setups and the importance of heat training, providing invaluable tips for cyclists looking to enhance their performance.