TRAINING FOR 2026
If you want to be in the best shape possible for spring and summer 2026, what you do from October to March is critical. The work put in over this period is the foundation for performance. Get it wrong and it will limit your capacity for the year.
So, why would a coached winter be more effective than a club ride and a couple of Zwift sessions a week?
Specificity – Performance data analysis using power and heart rate measurement means, carefully interpreted, a program can be accurately tailored to you and fitness improvements tracked empirically. There's no need for guess work. AI will not do this.
A structured program – Content is important but sequencing more so. Rest and recovery between sessions is critical. Understanding when to rest to consolidate the gains made by your efforts means you can rely on the structure of the program to stay on target.
Objectivity – It’s rare for riders to be objective about their own training. It is key to implementing effective changes when necessary. It removes doubt about whether you're doing the right thing.
Accountability – Knowing your coach is planning, monitoring and giving feedback on your sessions aids compliance and consistency, both critical to success.
Psychology – Winter training can be tough so it needs to be engaging, stimulating and interesting. Get somebody interested in you as a person and they will be able to keep you motivated as an athlete. Consistency is key.
Drop me a line here if you want to talk your preparation for 2026 though.
So, why would a coached winter be more effective than a club ride and a couple of Zwift sessions a week?
Specificity – Performance data analysis using power and heart rate measurement means, carefully interpreted, a program can be accurately tailored to you and fitness improvements tracked empirically. There's no need for guess work. AI will not do this.
A structured program – Content is important but sequencing more so. Rest and recovery between sessions is critical. Understanding when to rest to consolidate the gains made by your efforts means you can rely on the structure of the program to stay on target.
Objectivity – It’s rare for riders to be objective about their own training. It is key to implementing effective changes when necessary. It removes doubt about whether you're doing the right thing.
Accountability – Knowing your coach is planning, monitoring and giving feedback on your sessions aids compliance and consistency, both critical to success.
Psychology – Winter training can be tough so it needs to be engaging, stimulating and interesting. Get somebody interested in you as a person and they will be able to keep you motivated as an athlete. Consistency is key.
Drop me a line here if you want to talk your preparation for 2026 though.
Rich Smith BSc (Hons) Psychology is a Level 3 British Cycling qualified road and time trial coach. He established RideFast Coaching in 2015 to provide effective training for passionate cyclists.
