Base Training helps your Riding Learn cycle training tips on how to correctly perform base training for cyclists.  Cycling base training is fundamental to any cyclist’s coaching and training plan. The cyclists base training improves your cardiovascular systems and helps you become a more efficient rider.

When I have cyclists come up and ask me why they aren’t riding Cat 1 or “A” grade the first question I ask then is how long have they been riding. It’s not uncommon to have them respond with a time frame under a year and a half. On hearing this I quickly explain to them that cycling, especially road racing, is an endurance sport just like marathon running and that for them to be racing at the elite level they are looking at a three year plan.

 

The reality is that it does take this long for a cyclist to develop the strength and aerobic capacity required to race at this level.  There are ways to fast track these three years if the cyclist comes into cycling from another endurance sport like for instance long distance running or rowing. Or, alternatively, if the cyclists is to focus purely on sprinting or criterium disciplines. 

 

Sometimes these three years “of preparation” for a roadie seems a little daunting at first, but by chunking these three years down into achievable goals along the way, focus can be maintained with daily, monthly and year goals. But more on this later as I’ll be discussing this in separate article. I’m here to talk about the aerobic base and how important it is for you as a cyclist.