Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

Keegan Swenson is one of the fastest pro mountain bikers in the USA, and we took a deep dive into the Stans / Pivot Pro Team rider's hard-fought second place at the Epic Rides Carson City Off-Road. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE - Hardtail or full suspension: Which is best? - How the pros carry spares and tools - A tube carrying hack you need to know about - Long sleeve jersey or arm warmers - What the pros eat before a big race - How pro riders plan their race nutrition - On-the-bike nutrition hacks - Why mountain bike races start hard - Why the pros ride singletrack different than all of us - How many times can the pros attack? - Why a higher threshold is almost always a good solution - When to know if you should lead or not on the trail - Why technical trails might actually be an opportunity for rest - Tips on how to follow a rider in singletrack - When does drafting come into play in a mountain bike race? - Why line choice may be the most important part of a sprint More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad • Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

Pro mountain bike racers Payson McElveen and Sofía Gomez Villafañe joined us live from the main stage at the Epic Rides Carson City Off-Road for a deep dive on endurance mountain bike training and racing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE - How do pros taper for endurance mtb races - What do pro mountain bikers eat? - How to choose between a hardtail and full suspension - How the pros handle flat tires in a mountain bike race - How to pace a long mountain bike race - How to get by slower riders on singletrack - Pro tips for sandy descents - How the pros handle on the bike nutrition - What type of training do pros do during the race season - How to resist cravings and maintain race weight - What the pros do to adjust for high elevation - How pros make their tire choices More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad • Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

Join us live for Episode 160 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! We're going to analyze what Geoff Kabush did to get third place at Dirty Kanza, discuss whether running is a good form of cross-training, and dig deep into overtraining. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   How to register for the 40k TT challenge What it takes to race Dirty Kanza What we've learned about treating knee injuries for cyclists Safety tips for cyclists on the road Carson City Off-Road Preview How to get rid of "hot spots" while riding How to return to training after injury Does running make you a faster cyclist? How to organize the best cycling events How to push through hard workouts What are the signs of overtraining Three stages of overtraining How to avoid overtraining   More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

What we learned at Lost & Found, is ending a workout with a sprint a bad idea, is flexibility necessary for cyclists and more in Episode 159 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   Geoff Kabush's Dirty Kanza Recap Lost & Found Recap What are the best workouts for different types of fitness A complete guide to terms used to describe fitness How to pace yourself on variable terrain Are sprints at the end of a VO2 Max interval beneficial? Does increased flexibility make you a faster cyclist?   More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

A comprehensive guide to fitness testing, why we created a new test, pro tips for your next fitness test and more in Episode 158 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast Facebook Group Lost & Found Gravel Grinder Preview Carson City Off-Road Live Podcast Recording! Workout Scrubbing Feature Plug What is the TrainerRoad Ramp Test? Why sustained effort tests may not be the best format for you How to find your FTP with a ramp test Why the TrainerRoad Ramp Test was created How to make cycling fitness tests better Should you take an FTP test in the aero position? Should you take an FTP test in erg mode? Should you take an FTP test on each bike you own? What you should know before changing a ramp test format Can you do a workout after the TrainerRoad Ramp Test? How often should you test your FTP? Should steady state athletes take ramp tests too? What if you score different FTPs from different tests? Pro tips for taking the TrainerRoad Ramp Test   More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

Do oval rings affect power data, when fasted training actually effective, how to stop cramps and more in Episode 157 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast Facebook Group Carson City Off-Road Live Podcast What we noticed at the Queen Stage of the Tour of California Do oval rings affect power data? How to balance work and training Why you aren't recovering as well as you think Group ride etiquette How to be smooth in a group of riders Why gravel racing is so complex Why do you need low gearing for gravel events? When is fasted training actually effective? How to maximize the effects of fasted training How to beat a weight loss plateau How to lose weight and increase power for cycling How to stop cramps on the bike   More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

How to make a breakaway stick, can you do too much VO2 work, ideal pre-race and mid-race nutrition and more in Episode 156 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   Are sprints at the end of a ride a good idea? How to get faster in the offseason Adjusting your training plan for outdoor rides How to race smart in a criterium An ideal pre-race breakfast How to train for short hill climbs More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

Why you need to do the Sagan dirt fondo, TrainerRoad's new ride analysis features, How to PR your next hill climb time trial and more in Episode 155 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   Introducing Performance Analytics Sagando Review Geiger TT Chad's FTP Updates Mountain bike wheel size and setup Headphones to use on the trainer Estimating FTP and Ramp Test Discussion   More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

Why every time trialist should do a Merckx TT, the Peter Sagan Dirt Fondo course preview, how to make sure your allergy treatment is legal and more in Episode 154 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   What is a Merckx TT? Preparing for the Sagando An update on Nate's Allergies How to make sure your treatment for allergies is USADA legal The definition of a national level athlete Preparing to race at elevation without having the proper time to acclimate Breaking bad habits on the bike What apps we use for cycling   More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad

What you need to consider as you raise your FTP, the results from our first time trial, how to organize a busy race season and more in the Episode 153 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE   - How vacation affects fitness- How to plan a big ride with friends- The best route to take from San Francisco to Sea Otter- Nutrition for long rides- Chad's ramp test results- Results from our first time trial of 2018- How to pace a short time trial- How to pace a climb- How to recon a course with Best Bike Split- What to know about sighting in a time trial- How to manage a busy season of racing- Is a higher FTP always the solution?- Consequences of having a higher FTP- Is raw wattage more important than relative power?- How to break bad habits on the bike- How holding your breath affects your performance- What apps should cyclists use while riding?   More training questions answered here: bit.ly/Training-Questions-Help-Center   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST   Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gather to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips.   Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT TRAINERROAD — CYCLING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM   TrainerRoad makes cyclists faster. Athletes get structured indoor workouts, science-backed training plans, and easy-to-use performance analysis tools to reach their goals   Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   FOLLOW TRAINERROAD   Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad Twitter: www. twitter.com/TrainerRoad Strava Club: www.strava.com/clubs/TrainerRoad