How to be a consistent road racer

Enjoying being back on the top step again. Another win last week at the Cheltenham RR.

I was asked recently about how to achieve consistent results in road racing. With so many variables it’s never easy – but it is possible. Here are my three tips on how to become successful and consistent in these races:

1: Know yourself.
Be honest with the type of rider you are. What are you best at? What suits your strengths? What type of training do you love the most? Sit down, close your eyes and visualise executing your best race and achieving your best result. What type of course was it? How did the race play out?

2: Break it down.
Now you need to map out exactly what is required to achieve this visualisation. An example is Mathieu van der Poel. He trains to hit min 12watts per kg x 1min after 4000 calories burnt. The goal is clear and simple. If he does that he will most likely win, or worst case break away with one or two other riders. This is why he is always on the podium.

3: Train it.
MvdP will spend a huge amount of time training his stomach to be able to absorb 150g carbs per hour to ensure that after 4000 calories burned, he is still feeling fresh enough to do his 1min effort. Also a huge amount of hours on the bike improving his conditioning. He will also train this 1min effort, both on and off the bike. Lots of S&C and out of the saddle efforts. Bruce Lee said “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times”.

Race day is just a rehearsal. Be clear what your plan is months before. Dial in the detail and train for it. Make race day a formality.