What are the benefits of structured training?

Cycling is about far more than just scientific processes and training zones. It’s about feeling comfortable out on the road – going fast, taking corners and dealing with everything the outdoors throws up. It’s also about just sensing when to ease off slightly, or when you absolutely need to rip up the road in front of you for a session. You can’t always tell this from looking at numbers, sometimes you just feel it. It’s important to stay in touch with that aspect of cycling.

However, going out and simply riding hard all the time, whilst beneficial to a point, will prevent you from reaching your maximum potential as a cyclist, and that’s where the cycle coach and structured training plans come in.

Monitoring progress using scientifically based testing and training routines means that you know exactly where you are in relation to reaching your targets. A periodised plan that gradually improves your fitness until you peak allows you to train with the confidence that you are constantly making progress. And being able to quantify improvements precisely is hugely motivating – if a test produces 20 watts more power than previously, you absolutely know that you’ll be making your bike go faster than before, simple as that.

So the choice is a simple one – train hard and fast, and do as much as possible. You will improve, and you will discover maybe 75 or 80 per cent of your capability.

Or, maximise the time you have and get every last drop out of every session you do. Know why you’re doing each session, and understand the physiology behind it. Train correctly, let the coach take care of the details and watch the numbers improve. On the days where you do decide to bin the training plan – the ones where you want to make everybody hurt like mad just for kicks – you’ll notice the difference.