In my article "Is racing the best form of cycle training?" I briefly touch on cycle training for mental toughness.  In this article I'll be discussing this in a little more detail.

Cycle training for mental toughness is one of the critical parts of our training program. The first important thing is that when you train really hard it toughens you up mentally. When you are in a race you are then more prepared in dealing with the intense racing situations like attacks, breakaways, hill climbs and sprints.

Mental toughness is all about not giving up too soon. While it won't convert you from a D grader to an A grader overnight it will help you in those brief moments when you don't think you an go on but in actual fact you are physically able to.

A case point that come to mind from my own experience. I was racing over a hilly course and got dropped over one of the first climbs. You could say I wasn't having a good day. I knew it in myself. But I decided not to give up. I chased and chased and chased… The bunch seemed to be just in front of me but I couldn't bridge the gap. My head was going off at me to stop. I was pedalling in triangles (triangles are what you pedal in when you are beyond pedalling in squares) and seeing stars. I was all over my bike. Finally there was a lull in the bunch's speed and I managed in one final surge to get back on. I was suffering huge by this time. And.. For the rest of the race I was nursing myself… All the way to the finish line. But something happened. As we got closer to the line I had renewed speed. In the final sprint I managed to come over everyone to win the race. One of the best races I've had in a long time.

That day was all about mental toughness. I could have easily given up. But I didn't and was rewarded for it. It's a knife's edge and you'll be surprised that how much further you can go.

Here are some pointers:

1. When it's really tough focus on relaxing, get in control of your breathing and relax you face. You'll be amazed at how this reduces your perceived suffering.
   
   
2. Remember that when climbing - once the bunch gets over the climb they will usually back it off a bit. Focus on getting to the top of the climb and nothing else. Just like a sprint finish to the top, give it 100%. By having this short term goal you will surprise yourself at how many hills you can get over with the bunch using this tactic.
    
3. Riding at high speeds are the same. Focus on the wheel in front of you. Make sure it's a good wheel though. Don't pick a wheel of a rider that going to drop you off the bunch when they blow. Once your find a good wheel stick with it. Focus on their wheel. Their legs are your legs, your legs are their legs. Hold that wheel.
   
   
4. How many times have you been dropped off the bunch in an attack only to find a few seconds latter that you have recovered enough to think that you could have stayed with them? Yep, you see the bunch just in front of you but it is too late as they slowly Ride into the distance.  In an attack remember that at some point the attackers have to slow down. Hold onto the pace and wait for the lull. Tell yourself to just suffer just a little bit longer. It works in most cases. Usually it's not much longer as they will be suffering just as much as you. It's a mental thing. They are trying to break you. If you stick with them you'll psyche them out rather than you being psyched out.
   
   
5. Finally. You are in the breakaway group. Suffering. hang in there and commit 100% to it. You may surprise yourself.  
   

Remember that by training your mind to endure suffering for longer in your training will you give yourself a better chance in racing. It's an important part of your training and will make your racing easier.