I believe it’s safe to say you want to bring your A-game to the Train for a Tour Series. However, there are lessons to be learned that even the best riders have had to work through in their careers.
One of the most common mistakes I see, especially among cyclists training indoors, is the belief that every ride needs to be high-intensity. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that harder is always better, but the reality is that progress comes from a balance of stress and recovery. Here are my recommendations for avoiding this mistake:
- Embrace Recovery Rides: Not every session needs to push your limits. Easy rides play a crucial role in building endurance and allowing your body to adapt to training stress.
- Listen to Your Body: If your legs feel heavy or your heart rate is unusually high for a given effort, it might be a sign that you need more rest.
- Follow a Structured Plan: A well-designed training plan includes a mix of easy rides, endurance sessions, and high-intensity workouts to ensure steady improvement without burnout. You’ll find that in the Train for a Tour Series; I’ve designed it much like the programs I use at UAE Team Emirates’ training camps.
- Trust the Process: Some of the world’s best riders spend a significant amount of time riding at low intensities. The key is knowing when to push and when to back off—that’s how long-term gains are made.
Another mistake is pushing your body when it isn’t fully ready, which can lead to burnout or hinder your process in the long run. Your readiness to train can fluctuate daily due to factors like sleep quality, stress, hydration, and overall recovery. Here’s how I advise my athletes:
- On good days: When the effort feels easier than expected and your energy is high, it’s a great opportunity to push a little harder and maximize the session.
- On low-energy days: If you’re feeling off—whether due to poor sleep, accumulated fatigue, or other stressors—it’s smart to dial back the intensity. Training hard when the body isn’t ready can lead to burnout or hinder long-term progress.
Track this type of data along with heart rate and power to really amplify your progress. Here’s how to do it.
It’s important to remember what this incredible workout series is about at its core – training like a pro in the same way World Tour riders prepare for their season. Whether the goal is to improve endurance, build strength for climbs, or develop the ability to recover quickly between hard efforts, this program delivers real results.
As a coach, the trust that’s built between my athletes and I is one of my proudest achievements. When an athlete places their career development in my hands, it’s an honor that makes coaching so meaningful. I’ve worked to help professional cyclists reach their full potential, and now hopefully, I can help you reach yours.
Check out more articles on training like the pros:
Part 1: how to bring your A-game
Part 2: leveraging data
Good luck and enjoy the process,
Kevin Poulton
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