Time off. Sometimes it’s essential and deliberately planned into our annual training schedule. Other times it’s forced upon us by work, family priorities, and even injury. While useful, breaks can bring out the fear of losing all of our carefully built fitness. What is the minimum dose of training that you need in order to maintain fitness?

With #CXisCOMING the hashtag for many of us and the fall season arriving, it’s time to start thinking about transitioning out of peak summer cycling form. Should we think about just riding easy during this period, or including a bit of intense work?

Have you ever wondered what a professional cyclist does to compete at the highest level against the best in the world? Or have you wondered what things you should be considering when you prepare for your big events?

We’ve looked at muscle fibre typology of world-class cyclists in different disciplines, and also how typology may affect recovery from high-intensity workouts. Now let’s explore how typology may affect the risk for overreaching after a high increase in training volume.

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.