Semi-pro Cycling Podcasts

Last week we discussed the theory surrounding testing cyclists. This week we build on that discussion and look at ways the underlying theory can be applied to testing cyclists in a practical sense.We investigate how appropriate testing should be selected and administered and also provide information on how to evaluate the data that these tests provide.1:20 Test selection.5:40 Metabolic energy system specificity.7:50 Biomechanical movement pattern specificity.12:10 Characteristics of the athlete being tested.16:45 Environmental factors.21:45 Test Administration - Health and safety.24:20 Selection and training of the tester.34:35 Data collection.38:05 Testing format (batteries, trials, sequence of tests).50:05 Preparing an athlete for testing.65:00 Psychological impact of a bad test result on the athlete.75:00 Evaluation of Test DataThis episode’s panel:Jason Boynton, Ph.D.boyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.comInstagram: @cyclingperformanceclubFacebook: @cyclingperformanc

Testing cyclists is a key component of a science-based approach to improving cycling performance. And there is a surprising amount of important theory to consider and apply when it comes to the practice of testing this cohort of athletes. Indeed, the breadth and importance of testing cyclists is so great that our discussion on the topic ended up spanning two full episodes!So buckle up there, cycling performance enthusiast! It’s time to get deep into athlete testing theory and practical considerations! 4:10 The hosts’ experience with testing.8:05 Why do we test athletes?13:20 Evaluation of test quality14:10 Test validity.29:40 Test reliability.37:10 Testing Error (air??)47:15 Best practises for real world coaches and athletes.This episode’s panel:Jason Boynton, Ph.D.boyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.comInstagram: @cyclingperformanceclubFacebook: @cyclingperformanceclubTwitter: @cyclingclubpodReferences:NSCA’s Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning 4th Editionh

Take a look inside the planning and execution of a 3-week altitude training camp in preparation for a Grand Tour and learn how you can run your own.When you coach an athlete that gets the call up to ride a Grand Tour, you can bet that I’ll do everything I can to make sure they are in the form of their life. So when there was space on the calendar for a training camp - we both went all-in on an altitude training camp. It was a great learning experience and I’m here to share the steps I took in planning and preparation but also the takeaways and what I’ll change next time.Click here to get your copy of the Athlete Altitude Training Camp Manual with a free trial of the Cycling Science Digest (cancel anytime).

This week the co-hosts challenge each other with hypothetical athlete cases. Each cyclist differs in physiology, cycling background, and lifestyle, but they are all seeking to improve performance and reach specific competition goals. What follows for each case is an impromptu discussion on the techniques, and initial steps, we would implement, as coaches, to help these athletes achieve their cycling goals.1:50 Tying up loose ends from the previous interval pacing episode.6:30: Sarah - 34 yo, triathlete for 12 years, month off due to stress fracture while training for an ironman. Goals: race first road race, 120km gran fondo.30:30: Bob - 58 yo, 80 kg, 179 cm. Professor, married with two kids. 3 years cycling experience with one year of racing. Successful cross country runner in high school and college. Goals: Win his first cat 4 race, podium at Master’s national champs.55:05 Ben - 21 yo, good all around power profile, cyclist for 6 years, top 20 in U19 national champs, part time work and university. Goals: Gai

Your time and money are valuable. That’s why it is important to invest these commodities wisely and carefully consider the claims of products and practices meant to improve your cycling performance. This week each of us deep-dive into a product or claim that has recently triggered our skeptical spider senses. Things that made us stop and say, “Is that true?” and “Does that even improve cycling performance?”.Herein we investigate: Normatec recovery boots, lactic acid buffering lotions, and a blog providing back pain advice for cyclists.1:30 Sign up for the Strava study! See link below for information!3:15 The value of skepticism.7:35 Normatec boots. What are they? Do they improve recovery as they claim to? Should you invest your money in them?20:45 Lactic acid buffering lotions. Do they actually improve endurance performance? Should you include them in your race day arsenal?44:50 Advice for treating cyclist back pain given in a TrainingPeaks blog vs. a response from a trained medical professional.71:30 The val

1:30 A training advice anecdote6:40 Interval pacing athlete conversation9:45 Oxygen-deficit and ‘lag’ in VO2 increase during an interval15:20 What is the purpose of interval training?21:55 Which specific intervals are we looking at?24:00 How much time can you spend at >90%VO2max during a session29:35 Where does the research currently sit?43:30 How can we apply this research to design an interval session?46:45 Which athletes will ‘declining intensity’ or ‘fast-start’ intervals work best for?50:55 Non-physiological factors around interval pacing54:35 Being aware of power as an external measure62:25 Making use of the limited research available66:00 Applications and conclusionsThis episode’s panel:Jason Boynton, Ph.D.boyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.comInstagram: @cyclingperformanceclubFacebook: @cyclingperformanceclubTwitter: @cyclingclubpodEpisode #10 References:The slow component of O2 uptake kinetics during heavy exercisehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7741865/Decr

2:10 More momentum for Critical Power over FTP7:30 What is the research supporting warm-ups for endurance events?12:30 What happens within the body during a warm-up?21:10 Psychological benefit to warm-ups24:25 Effect of warm-ups on performance28:50 Which subjects are used in this research?31:25 Does a warm-up really matter at all?35:00 Downsides to a warm-up36:55 Warming up for a specific phase within an endurance race39:10 What are the pros doing?42:35 Listener question on warm-up for an FTP test47:00 Recommendations57:40 Environmental factors affecting choice of warm-up70:50 ConclusionsThis episode’s panel:Jason Boynton, PhDboyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.comInstagram: @cyclingperformanceclubFacebook: @cyclingperformanceclubTwitter: @cyclingclubpodEpisode #9 References:Could Critical Power be a better alternative to FTP for training?https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/fitness-and-training/critical-power/Effects of mild whole body hypothermia on self-paced exercise per

You probably realize that ‘threshold’ is an important measure for endurance athletes. But there seem to be many different types of thresholds measures out there, and that might be confusing for some. In this episode, the panel explores the many types of thresholds (e.g. FTP, critical power, lactate threshold): how they are determined, whether they are the same or different, whether they are interchangeable, how they relate to each other, and what it all means for the real-world coach and cyclist.2:31 What is ‘threshold’?3:00 Exercise domains10:45 What are the purposes of determining threshold?14:33 What are the main thresholds measured in endurance sport?18:15 Functional threshold power23:48 Critical power30:46 Lactate thresholds40:37 Ventilatory thresholds44:40 How the thresholds compare with each other56:40 General conclusions70:10 Thought experiment: does threshold even matter in modern endurance training?Episode #8 References:The Maximal Metabolic Steady State: Redefining the ‘Gold Standard’https://physoc

2:55 Listener feedback6:05 What is SEVEN?11:05 Race day factors that could be rectified ‘easily’.15:25 Ride analysis from the 2021 edition of SEVEN.32:30 How to make the required improvements for a beginner athlete.40:30 Does CTL correlate with FTP? What is the relationship and where does it end?45:10 The importance of training age when seeking rapid improvement.48:20 An example of CTL and FTP not being tied together if the training isn’t right.51:30 Training for physiology vs. training for an event.53:50 Getting wonky: allocating percentage time improvements for each area.This episode’s panel:Jason Boynton, PhDboyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.comInstagram: @cyclingperformanceclubFacebook: @cyclingperfromanceclubTwitter: @cyclingclubpodSpecial thanks to Chris for giving us his ride file from SEVEN for analysis.

Host topics covered in this episode:1:20 A few years ago it was claimed that FTP was dead. We discuss whether the newer alternatives have any sound scientific rationale behind them and why FTP, despite its flaws, is still being used.13:00 The amateur to professional cyclist roadmap15:00 Prerequisites to performance, i.e. what you have to be born with.24:00 Development through junior training and racing. Is it essential to become a professional? What should be the focus during this phase?39:10 Training with a program. We discuss the benefit of having a coach or mentor and getting some help before arriving at the start line of your first race.48:40 Amateur racing. What are the different levels? We discuss the importance of learning to win, and learning skills and racecraft.1:03:25 The big jump from amateur to international level. What are the different paths and different ways to make this leap?1:07:50 Lifestyle changes involved in moving towards the professional ranks. We discuss how pivotal these are in many

Host topics covered on this episode:1:30 Listener feedback4:20 What is a graded exercise test?8:15 Where do you get your training information? We discuss the differences between layman’s articles (e.g. blogs) and peer-reviewed scientific articles as coach/athlete resources.25:55 Continuous improvement is important as a coach. We discuss what is on our “coaching to-do lists”:Nose breathing; functional reserve capacity (FRC); critical power vs. FTP; mental skills toolbox; gaining more experience; male vs. female endurance training; alternatives to performance management chart (PMC) (Trainingpeaks); continuous glucose monitoring; Aerolab vs. Aerotune; Golden Cheetah and R analyses; training during caloric deficit; altitude training in Europe; grit questionnaires.Audience Question:86:00 General advice for entry level cyclists.This episode’s panel:Jason Boynton, PhDboyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.comInstagram: @cyclingperfromanceclubFacebook: @cyclingperfromanceclubTwitte

Host topics covered on this episode:1:25 What happens when an athlete can’t complete a session? What is the role of the athlete and the role of the coach in this scenario? How can sessions be prescribed to prevent this happening?28:40 How does carbohydrate combustion and availability influence placement of harder sessions in a training program? How much carbohydrate is burnt during a session and how much recovery is required to replenish the stores?47:00 Which session is best for increasing FTP?54:40 Why is FTP a priority?55:50 Threshold training to increase threshold66:30 Training intensity distribution studies70:10 Polarised training as a means to increase FTP88:35 If there was a perfect session for increasing FTP, how would it be included in a training program?This episodes panel:Jason Boynton PhDboyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.comInstagram: @cyclingperfromanceclubFacebook: @cyclingperfromanceclubTwitter: @cyclingclubpod

Host topics covered on this episode:2:05 Is there a correlation between core strength and FTP? At what point does this correlation end and should we be prescribing core strength exercises to all athletes?"Core Strength Increases FTP?" thread.https://groups.google.com/g/wattage/c/UlfL_IzVWYg/m/Ty8Y1TrdzboJ30:05 What is the purpose behind VO2 max tests? When should athletes use them and what can we learn from them?47:40 Rest weeks. What are the differences between an ‘easy week’ and a ‘free week’? Which points in the season should these be implemented and what benefits might they provide to the athlete. Is there any physiological rationale behind longer rest periods?This episodes panel:Jason Boynton PhDboyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.com

Host topics covered on this episode:1:45 Developing an athlete’s skills. Does skills training find its way into a training program? When is the right time to focus on training skills?23:30 Do pre-race openers (or primers) give a performance benefit to the athlete. Is there any research supporting this?43:40 Is there merit in implementing a ‘prepackaged’ training plan for endurance athletes?Audience topics:1:04:30 Positive feedback from Manthan.1:06:30 Luca wants to know if a prepackaged plan is applicable for an absolute beginner level athlete.1:08:50 Which is the most reliable test (if any) for determining FTP? Does this change depend on rider type (sprinter vs. climber)?1:14:00 The relationship between Peak Power Output and FTP.1:18:10 Determining FTP from methods outside of testing.This episodes panel:Jason Boynton PhDboyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.com

Introducing a new podcast called The Cycling Performance Club Podcast and, you might already be able to guess it’s about all things cycling training, performance, and science.The exciting part of this show is the format. It’s a panel show that is recorded live on a weekly call with a panel of scientists, pro-cyclists, and cutting-edge coaches.You can also join the call and ask questions or contribute to the conversation in any way. Listen to the episode to find out how.Topics covered on this episode:2:00 What does it mean to train with Science? How does this approach compare to other coaching methods?27:00 Should coaches be prescribing ‘bad weather training’ for athletes preparing for races that may be in cold or wet conditions?1:01:12 What strategies can be implemented when returning from a crash? What role do coaches have in both the physiological and psychological return to fitness?This episodes panel:Jason Boynton PhDboyntoncoaching.comDamian Rusesemiprocycling.comCyrus Monkcyclistscientist.com

On this show a bit more Strava stalking as we follow the break and build-up for the first 16 weeks of Sepp Kuss’s 2021 season. Following his training from the last stage of the Vuelta in 2020 on Nov 8 until the end of the UAE Tour on February 27, 2021. It’s a fascinating look at a rider who is on the up and up and on a good day can match it with the best in the world.Staying on top of the latest cycling science research just got easier. With a SEMIPRO+ membership, you’ll get the latest cycling science, filtered, reviewed, and analysed to learn and implement the findings quickly.Learn more about SEMIPRO+ at https://www.semiprocycling.com/plus

Today, we go inside the steps I took to get this rider race-ready. It’s a look at my coaching process, like how to determine race demands and fitness targets, it’s also a look at the balance between the glycolytic and aerobic systems, and how I structure interval sessions.Staying on top of the latest cycling science research just got easier. With a SEMIPRO+ membership, you’ll get the latest cycling science, filtered, reviewed, and analysed to learn and implement the findings quickly.Learn more about SEMIPRO+ at https://www.semiprocycling.com/plus

In this episode, I sit down with fellow reviews of the cycling science digest to discuss a couple of papers that were released in Feb 2021, and in the chaser, we talk about the future of training platforms, well at least what might happen after we hit rock bottom.Staying on top of the latest cycling science research just got easier. With a SEMIPRO+ membership, you’ll get the latest cycling science, filtered, reviewed, and analysed to learn and implement the findings quickly.Learn more about SEMIPRO+ at https://www.semiprocycling.com/plus

Heat training - and pardon the pun, a hot topic in the world of sports performance - and frankly it’s been covered to death all over the internet. So today we’re going to do things a bit differently.Yes, we’re going to talk about heat and performance with a guest in the trenches of this space. And yes, we’re going to get some surprising recommendations for performing in the heat but as this guest just completed their Ph.D., we’re also going to take a look behind the scenes. This is made interesting by the fact that our guest has the sports science trifecta, being an environmental physiologist, a cycling coach, and an athlete - he has a unique take on cycling performance science - we get a look at the process and thinking behind his research - and how it is designed to make a real impact on the world of sports performance.

This is part 2 on muscle oxygenation.In part 1 we started to go down the rabbit hole that is muscle oxygenation - with a smidge of muscle activation thanks to a new product on the market that measures both - Graspor. We got the commercial manager of Graspor (Jesper) on the show to walk us through the product and technology used. If you skipped the last episode, go back and listen so you can get up to speed. That way you’ll have an idea of the technology behind muscle oxygenation as a measurement. In this episode, we’re going to look at what and how to use muscle oxygenation for cycling training.