TOOLBOX: Last time we discussed the different muscle fibre typology of world-class cyclists in different disciplines. Now let’s explore how different muscle typology can affect recovery from high-intensity interval training.

Whether it’s amateurs or professionals, a very high proportion of races ends up in a mass sprint. While we all see the dramatic final burst to the line, the frantic leadup to that final sprint is the critical springboard to success…

Toolbox: Summer season is in full swing and the local fast group training ride is moving into high speed. What’s the best way to approach these local hammer sessions, both for training and for performance?

And just like that, the use of ketones in Pro cycling made the headlines again after Tom Dumoulin announced he was quitting the Movement for Credible Cycling, mainly due to MPCC's objection regarding the use of ketones. But do ketones actually improve performance? A timely new research provides some novel insights.

This is the time of year when we should be reveling in the spring classics. Nothing beats these races for pure spectacle, with its 'there's no tomorrow' ethos of all-out racing. One of the best examples of great racing tactics and sport psych was Luca Paolini's masterclass at Gent-Wevelgem in 2015.

TOOLBOX: Cycling is lauded as a sport of suffering and who can put up with the most pain. Is this pain tolerance trainable? And if so, are some types of training better than others at increasing pain tolerance?

While it is true that fitness is fitness, the best path to success in racing is to match your training and fitness to the requirements of the event. Let’s take a look at some of the gravel races I’ve done in 2018 to see what’s specific about gravel competitions.

In the movie “Breaking Away,” there is a scene in which the hero competes in a bike race where we realize that nobody in the race has a clue about tactics. Peter Cossins' excellent book, “How the Race Was Won: Cycling's Top Minds Reveal the Road to Victory,” presents the story of tactics from a historical standpoint and also through interviews with those involved in the sport.

Toolbox: Self-talk has been used very successfully by both scientists and athletes to improve their performance. However, does it matter HOW you talk to yourself? Is it better to keep your talk in the first person tense or distance yourself to the second person tense?