Toolbox: Getting into a more aero position on your bike definitely makes you faster, and we've seen all kinds of variations by riders like Froome, Pantani, Sagan and more. We look at some actual wind tunnel testing to get to the bottom of which position on your bike is fastest for riding and also descending.

TOOLBOX: “Did you know that you don’t need to ingest your energy drink? A simple carbohydrate mouth rinse for a few seconds can increase your exercise performance…” At least that’s how I first heard of it 10 years ago while on my Nutrition and Dietetics degree.

Toolbox: You feel ready. You have done the training, the hours of riding and zone specific work to fully prepare your body for the onslaught to come. But is your bike as ready as you are? Go beyond just cleaning your bike to see how to make sure your bike is well-prepped for your race or Gran Fondo.

Toolbox: Since the era of Banesto, Postal, and now Sky, the Grand Tour climbs have turned into massive team leadouts, with Indurain, Armstrong, Wiggins, Froome, & Thomas protected by an armada of climbing domestiques. But is there an actual benefit to having teammates pacing on climbs?

Toolbox: The pages of PEZ have been populated with grand tales of pro-team training camps over the years. Lucky are the few who get to venture south to bask in the sun, ride the fresh new kits and explore the unexplored roads on offer at camp. Why don’t you plan a camp for you and your team? Here are some suggestions.

Toolbox: Mark Cavendish pioneered the super low sprinting position. Then Caleb Ewan took the trend to new “depths” by dropping even lower and farther forward. Does such an extreme position actually result in aerodynamic benefits?

It's 92 degrees with about 85% humidity, and I have to say I am dreaming about cool Fall afternoons, color changes, and, of course, cyclocross!  Last year I wrote an article on the demands of cyclocross with a strategic view of cyclocross training, so this year I’ve decided to take a more tactical approach, focusing on some key elements and suggesting some workouts to improve them.

One of the pieces of advice given most often to riders trying to get faster is to ride with people or groups that are faster than they are. And it’s pretty good advice, because faster group rides motivate us to go harder and longer.

TOOLBOX: Tapering is a mysterious notion. Most competitive cyclists know what it is, and that it should be part of their peak performance, and that it can make that peak performance even better. Here's how to perfect the race taper for competitive cyclists.