The fitness, gear and nutritional advice to take your road cycling to the next level this spring and summer. Discover the training secrets of the pros that you can action at amateur level, plus the best summer clothing and eyewear.
Road Cyclists Training Manual 2024
Welcome
ROAD WHEELS • Does a high-performing wheelset for £500 exist in 2024? Here we test six sets of road hoops to find out
Fast Tyres • £55-£89.99 Transform your riding in an affordable manner
SUMMER OUTFITS • Ride faster. Stay cooler. Be comfortable. A well-chosen jersey and bib shorts combo for summer riding will put a boost into your riding this season. But which offer the best performance?
Performance eyewear • £25-£79.99 Sunnies will protect your eyes from UV rays and detritus
Aero road helmets • £245-£275 A trio of slipstreaming lids to deliver speed as well as safety…
Aero upgrades GO-FASTER GAINS • Want to ride quicker and save money? Of course you do. Here we gain exclusive assess to the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub’s wind tunnel to find the best wind-cheating products and body-position changes
3 ISSUES FOR JUST £5
TAKEN FOR A RIDE • By the end of a brutal sportive, your body has been through a lot. But what exactly goes on beneath the bonnet? James Witts charts what happens inside you and finds out how to get through the toughest rides a little more comfortably
FOR THE RECORD • From online platforms to paper notebooks, training diaries can be powerful tools. We asked three riders to share a page of their training diaries to show how a daily check-in can deliver invaluable cycling insights
THE ART OF THE RECCE • Event day is edging closer – but knowing the course can make a huge difference to your performance. Here’s how to master the art of the reconnaissance…
PLANNING PURCHASES • Three key buys to help your prep for race day
TARGETS FOR 2024 • Three major events for you to ride – and recce – this summer
Climber vs Descender • Can expert descending make up for climbing shortcomings, and vice versa? We head to the Swiss Alps to find out…
HARDER FASTER LONGER • A proficient pacing strategy will save you time and energy. Here’s how to balance effort and energy for your optimum outcome…
Some like it hot • Sizzling summer heatwaves are the new normal but can cyclists handle the heat? We reveal how to keep cool this summer
COOL GEAR • Four key buys to beat the heat this summer
LESSONS FROM THE EDGE • Race strong in the heat with a record breaker
NEED FOR SPEED • With road bike-only events, time trial is broadening its appeal. But what do you need to get started? Here’s our expert guide to taming a time trial
PLANNING PURCHASES • Three key buys to help your prep for race day
TRY OUT THESE TTs • Sign up for an event or series to get a feel for TT
15 ways to fuel your riding • Changing what you eat before, during or after training can trigger different physiological adaptations, enhance your riding and help you achieve specific goals. Here’s how to fuel to gain optimal results
PLAN FOR SUCCESS • Whether you’re new to sportives or haven’t raced one for a while, you’ll need to be prepared for when the big day arrives. Here are our ultimate pre-race tips and 12-week training plan
Britain’s Favourite Rides • From the Cairngorms to the South Downs, pro cyclists, record-breakers and industry insiders share their treasured routes
Hot ticket… • Rookie Anna Gardiner straps in for ride of her life at a scorching L’Étape du Tour, the world’s biggest and arguably best mass-participation event
LOFTY GOALS • Higher, harder, longer… the road-sportive calendar...