Last month in Toolbox, Josh began a detailed analysis of the typical dynamics and anatomy of a road race, paring it down to the essential acts and scenes. Tactics and strategy can sometimes become crystal clear when you see the big picture, so let’s complete the anatomy lesson and see what else we can learn…

In Part 1 of this series, we defined many elements of being a successful athlete and called them the “Essential Ingredients.” Now that those elements have been presented, we can address the other side of the equation; identifying your weaknesses or “limiters.”

Watching the Tour this past week, I realize there are many elements that go into being successful in cycling. But the nature and number of these elements can make training an inexact science that sometimes seems more like an art. Let's simplify this rather complex science into usable information that can be applied to your training strategy...

Too often in cycling, riders are constantly convincing themselves they are not a certain type of rider. Conversely, riders will often desire to excel in a specialty they may not be suited for. Let's look at some of the myths and truths associated with stereotyping bike racers and see how it applies to you and your program.

Last month’s article featured tips on what NOT to do in a race. I wrote about creating awareness within yourself at all times so that you never make a move without a clear purpose or do a lick of work that isn’t going to take you towards your ultimate goal. This month we’ll have a little more fun and talk about what you CAN do to stir things up while always keeping the team’s goal as your number one priority.

Assessments are an integral component of a well-designed training program. They can also be used to systematically track physiological changes over a period of time and make comparisons relative to the cyclist’s competitive group. Perhaps the most important purpose of assessments are to prevent overtraining and provide direction for a future training program.

While it may be bad enough that we ride without a plan, it is infinitely worse when we train smart and with dedication, then proceed to race without a clear plan or aim. But look at most amateur races and that’s exactly what happens, wasting a lot of effort and all that fitness you’ve built up. First up in racing smart is to constantly question why…

There are many ways to win a bike race, but many times it requires a rider to get in the winning break. We all know a racer that always seems to find that elusive winning move. Time and again they end up in the one break that seems to succeed. Is it dumb luck or a calculating, competitive individual?