In the build up to any new cycling season, your focus should be on improving both your fitness and technique so that you can really start to compete during any events you take part in. While there is a lot that you can do for yourself to get competition ready, including getting better equipment and interval training, the benefits of hiring a cycling coach to help you iron out the rough edges of your cycling game can make all the difference when it comes time to compete.
So can a cycling coach really help you to improve? Here we take a look at what they bring to the table and how you can make use of one to get better.
What Does A Cycling Coach Do?
A cycling coach’s purpose is twofold. They will work to improve your fitness levels with a dedicated cycling training plan that is tailored to your particular needs. If you want to build speed, they will be able to tell you what you need to do to make sure you’re the fastest you can possibly be on that day. If endurance is your focus a cycling coach will make sure that your training plan is more suited to build up your endurance.
Secondly, a cycling coach is also a confidante and companion as well as a personal trainer. They will aim to develop a relationship with you that is geared around helping you to achieve your goals and ensure that you continue to enjoy this great sport.
The Benefits of a Cycling Coach
Knowledge – An experienced cycling coach brings a ton of knowledge to the table that you likely do not have yourself. They will be able to tell you what type of gear you need, how to train properly and how to keep your body fueled at all stages of a race. You can certainly learn a lot of this yourself, but why spend years doing that when you can hire somebody who can distill that knowledge into the essentials?
Application – Having the information you need to succeed is one thing, but knowing how to make proper use of it is what will separate you from the rest of the pack during events. A coach will be able to train your mind and your body so that the little things that really matter become second nature and you can process the information you receive and use it to your advantage.
A Personal Link –One of the many joys of cycling is that you become part of a dedicated community of people who are all striving to reach similar goals through the sport. The personal connection you build with your coach will often lead to an invaluable friendship, plus you always have somebody to talk to about your passion for cycling.
The Dangers of Not Having A Coach
Nobody is claiming that you need to have a cycling coach if all you want to do is hop on the bike every weekend and go for a ride. However, if you really want to get yourself into tip-top shape and take part in various cycling events, not having a coach can be a detriment.
For one, you will have to learn everything you need to know through experience. This can mean suffering an injury before you realize you need to make adjustments to your positioning, or failing to bring enough food and water for a long distance race the first time you try it.
With a coach you get the benefit of years of experience that you otherwise need to build up yourself through trial and error. It takes all of the uncertainty away from your cycling and instead allows for you to improve quickly and enjoy the ride a whole lot more.