The spring racing season is fast approaching and motivation is high with the holidays behind us. Racers of all levels are planning their training and racing schedules so let’s start off January with tips from two of our most trusted resources (and all-around nice guys) for training and racing information: Dario Cioni and Burke Swindlehurst.

Races are won on many different levels, ranging from proper nutrition to an effective training plan. And just as important as finding the winning break, or last lap teamwork, is pre-race tactical preparation. We ask top Masters racers, Dan Martin (VOS Racing and Kevin Metcalfe (Team Specialized Racing) how they prepare for the best result.

At all levels, the race schedule is filled with one-day races, shorter and longer stage races and, if you are a professional, the ultimate in racing, three-week grand tours. How should you adjust your training to be best prepared for these different race styles? Pros Dario Cioni and Aaron Olson takes us through their training logs for some answers.

Like it or not, most road races have some form of climbing in them. Whether or not you consider yourself a climber, the fact remains that you have to deal with it. This month we chat with Burke Swindlehurst (Team Bissell) and Josй Luis (Chechu) Rubiera (Astana), who recently competed in the Tour of California, about how they approach climbing in their training.

Happy New Year! The holidays are history and many riders are back to business in full swing with their 2008 training plan. It’s time to fire up the first Pro Shop of 2008 and ask Dario Cioni (Silence-Lotto) and Aaron Olson (Bissell) about their early season training, and then analyze their responses and learn from these two experienced pros...

Cycling has a very long season and the demands on athletes can be extreme given: weather conditions, potential for injury, and for most of us, balancing our work lives with being athletes. This month, we asked pros Aaron Olsen (T-Mobile) and Dario Cioni (Predictor-Lotto) who just finished a small race called the Giro, a couple questions about their mid-season break.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! As we begin this new season, we asked Bobby Julich, Ivan Dominguez, Dario Cioni and Magnus Backstedt how they motivate themselves through a long season, and their personal fitness preparation as they enter the racing season.