How to Rider Faster
The most common question we get asked is “how do I ride faster?” We can approach the answer in many ways, but to keep it simple here are a few quick fire ways to get you going faster this winter:
- Ride with others that push you - do this once a week to push your boundaries.
- Get a specific programme – by getting a cycling coach you can discover the best way for you to improve, a coach will help you find the keys to your potential. Physical, technique and habits.
- Interval training – the best way to get faster is to intermittently ride faster. So if you normally average 25kph on the flat, then in your ride have intermittent periods (such as 3-4mins), riding at 30-35kph. This will make you faster.
- Consistency – one of the important ways to get faster is to ride consistently each week. A minimum of 3 times is necessary to get better at cycling, but 4-5 is even better. In winter this can be difficult with the weather, so windtraining can be good by either going to classes or by buying your own windtrainer for home.
- Change – increase your training volume or intensity every week. We can’t do the same thing each week and continue to improve as our body’s fitness gains plateau. Improvement only comes from change.
- Get out of your comfort zone - avoid doing the same loops, or always riding with the same people. We plateau doing this. Find new hills, now routes, or even do your favourite loops the opposite way around. Avoid habits as these entrench us at the same speed.
