VO2 Max is the term given to your maximum aerobic capacity. VO2 Max is effectively the amount of oxygen that you can take in and use. It is your maximal aerobic capacity. It is expressed as litres (ml) of oxygen / weight Kg / per min. Some of the top athletes have recorded figures as high [...]

Threshold training involves riding at an intensity which can be maintained for an hour without creating excess burning  in your legs (lactic acid creation). Your threshold is the level which makes full use of your aerobic capacity (oxygen) but doesn’t tip over into anaerobic exercise (which creates lactic acid). Threshold training essentially involves a level which [...]

Over the past few years, my training has evolved from a general ride the bike, to more specific targeted training sessions. Specific training aims to target and improve those areas which will be most beneficial for your goals and type of races. Both Eddy Merckx and Fausto Coppi gave pretty much the same advice for [...]

In Graeme Obree’s training manual, he devotes a chapter to his own breathing technique he developed. If it had been anyone else, it would have been tempting to brush it off. But, given Obree’s success, I was motivated to give it a go and see how it affects my performance / cycling. We tend to [...]

I remember in my first season of racing, I made tremendous progress. There was one patch where every time I raced, I seemed to set a personal best. I imagined this upward trend continuing and at this rate, I reckoned I would be in the Tour de France by about 2008. Well, of course, I’m [...]

At the end of the hill climb season, I was quite motivated to keep cycling. Instead of short intervals, I went out for longer steady rides. In November I did 800 miles (including 200 miles commuting). I really enjoyed the cycling, there was no real structure to the training apart from to enjoy getting some [...]