Semi-pro Cycling Podcasts

This show is dedicated to those that live in snowbound winter climates. I present 4 cycling alternatives to build and maintain aerobic fitness based on a criteria of easy to learn, cheap to start, potential to compete, and easy to access.

These High-Performance principles apply to every competitive cyclist - not just those at the top. These principles will help you understand how to keep developing your cycling to be better year after year.

If you take the important mental elements that it takes to be a successful and consistent cyclist and place them in an order from foundation to optimal, then you have Dr Jim Taylor's Prime Cycling framework. I discuss this framework with a sprinkling of my own experience.

What if all the training you do over 7 hours is making your heart and health worse not better. This episode explores the recent findings of Professor James O'Keefe and his study on Extreme Endurance exercise and the possible implications for the Semi-Pro cyclist. Hint: It may surprise you.

We all know deep down that the alcohol we drink is bad for us, but how does it effect your performance on the bike? This episode takes a look at the direct and indirect effect of alcohol on cycling performance, and 2 strategies to help you avoid them.

PRO Directors of Sports Science are digging further into the details to win bike races. This episode digs into the idea of the durable cyclist through the data of crashing and weather.

Done right training camps can really benefit your season - but what to watch out for? There are lots of possible pitfalls, from the food to the terrain. Listen in for the best ways to maximise your training camp, and come out kicking arse and taking names!

Constant improvement is not just the realm of juniors and PROs - the principles definitely apply to all competitive cyclists, no matter where you’re at. Planning in advance, monitoring all aspects of your riding and life outside of cycling, and learning how to overcome setbacks, are all ways to continue cycling at a high level for a long time. Learn from Dr Stephen McGregor about the steps to becoming a PRO.

Chris Harnish joins us to discuss the idea of training with intensity year round. Which is highly relevant to Semi-Pros because we have limited training time. But also because HIIT and sprint training has scientifically shown to build aerobic fitness.

Maximal testing is mentally draining and can take away from your current training, this makes it difficult to do every week. But what if there was a weekly submaximal test that you could substitute for warm ups before hard workouts, was able to monitor performance, and tell you if you are fatigued and shouldn't continue with the workout. Introducing the LSCT.

Understanding the exact demands of your event, the past winners and your capabilities is the best way you are training as efficient as possible. I will teach you how to spy on your competitors in Strava to help you win your 'A' race.

Picking your races is not always about picking the biggest and the best race. The one with the big name, or hard reputation. Being selective could the difference between achieving some goals, maybe some wins, and getting smashed week after week - or even riding your last race season ever! It's about finding your sweet spot, between what you like and what your good at.

It’s one of those things that you may dread talking about because it represents the slow downward spiral to death. Yes that’s a bit drastic, but I’m going to explore the slowdown of your performance as you get on a bit. And offer 7 ways to slow down your loss of performance.

It’s the most important question to ask yourself when you’re finishing up your season, and looking towards the next. It’s important to carefully assess how your training and racing went this season before you can truly plan for the upcoming year.

Aero is the new buzzword - but manufacturers aero claims are worthless to you unless you test them in your own setup. Testing this is now possible - and cheaper - than ever before. But is it worth it? Find out the three most common testing options, including what to look for when testing yourself.

You will never think of talent the same after this episode. I take a look into the role that genetics play in determining your talent, and how much weight should be placed on skills acquisition verses natural ability in cycling.

Muscle Cramps - The intense, involuntary contraction of a muscle either during or immediately after exercise. Not only can they be painful, but can shut down your race, ride or celebration. This episode looks at some science based treatments, some no so science based treatments, and how to finally solve the mystery of your cramps to get you riding stronger than ever.

Pacing a time trial correctly can be the difference between winning and losing. Learn how to plot and train for your race based on the types of resistance you are likely to encounter.

Whether you love or hate criterium racing it's best done with a plan to attack or sit in and sprint. This episode is all about the options you have when riding for the win. Learn the where and when to get a jump on the pack to give yourself the best chance possible at the win.

Tire pressure is as simple or as complicated as you make it. This episode gives you a 6 step plan that takes into consideration all the factors associated with getting your tire pressure right in every situation.