A1 Coaching

Balancing performance with effective weight management is one of cycling's greatest challenges. In this episode, we sit down with sports nutrition expert Alex Larson to uncover the science and strategies that help cyclists get lean, stay lean, and optimize their performance. We explore the key areas cyclists should focus on to shed fat while preserving muscle, from dialing in macronutrient ratios to the importance of nutrient timing around training. Alex shares practical advice on managing caloric deficits safely, maintaining testosterone levels naturally, and navigating fasted versus fed training. Discover the truth about creatine, nine low-glycemic foods to keep your blood sugar stable, and the supplements that may—or may not—enhance fat loss without sacrificing endurance. This is your go-to guide for unlocking your peak cycling physique and staying strong for years to come. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitor

Cyclists often spend long hours in aggressive riding positions, leaving them prone to back pain and discomfort. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Stuart McGill, a world-renowned expert in biomechanics and back pain from the University of Waterloo. Together, we delve into the complexities of back pain for cyclists and explore actionable solutions to help you ride pain-free. We discuss: The most common biomechanical causes of back pain in cyclists. How your cycling posture and bike fit can either prevent or exacerbate back discomfort. Core and back strengthening exercises tailored for cyclists. Warm-up and recovery techniques to keep your back in peak condition. Mental strategies to differentiate between discomfort and injury. Tips for managing back fatigue during long rides and races. Whether you're battling chronic back pain or looking to prevent it, this conversation is packed with practical insights to keep you riding stronger and healthier. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOO

In this episode, Anthony Walsh chats with Alex Howes, ultra-cyclist, bikepacker, and gravel-racing icon. They dive into the joys and challenges of endurance cycling, youth development in the sport, and the cultural richness of bikepacking adventures. Alex shares stories of wildlife encounters worthy of a Nature Channel special and a dramatic fire at his home, blending humor and insight. The conversation explores gravel racing’s evolution, tire choices, and the balance between racing and pure enjoyment. With reflections on performance struggles and aspirations for the cycling community’s future, Alex and Anthony highlight problem-solving and the personal connections that define the sport. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROUVY⁠

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the misunderstood art of the recovery ride. Discover why these slow, low-intensity sessions are the secret sauce to faster, stronger riding. We’ll unpack the science behind recovery rides, how they help repair muscles, flush out fatigue, and even balance your nervous system. Learn when to choose a recovery ride over a rest day, how to execute them properly, and why they’re essential for both mental and physical health. Plus, I’ll share some practical tips to make recovery rides work for you, not against you. If you want to ride smarter and avoid burnout, this episode is a must-listen. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROUVY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resista

In this weeks Rider Support we start by tackling why Girona, once the cycling mecca, might be losing its charm for riders. Next, we dive into Jack Burke’s recent KOM-breaking climbs and whether they’re enough to secure him a pro contract. We also discuss the implications of Remco Evenepoel’s training crash on his season, compare the new Wahoo Ace head unit to Garmin’s 1040 Edge, and debate advanced DIY bike repairs and whether roadies should embrace hydration packs on group rides. Finally, we explore the nuances of mixing Shimano and SRAM groupsets! Oh and a few laughs along the way. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROUVY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor

Jeremy Powers, the legendary American cyclo-cross cyclist, boasts over 90 UCI victories—the most by any American male rider. His illustrious career includes four USA Cyclocross National Championships (2012, 2014–2016) and the 2015 Pan-American Championship. Beyond racing, Powers has been a driving force in the sport’s growth through the JAM Fund, a non-profit nurturing young talent, and Behind THE Barriers, a video series capturing the wild and passionate world of cyclo-cross. On the podcast, Jeremy shared insights into the unique culture of European cyclo-cross, the transition from road to CX, and essential tips like mastering tire pressure and skills training. He reflects on life after cycling, discussing identity, his role at GCN, and how now, within his role at WHOOP their wearable tech helps athletes train smarter. A true ambassador of the sport, Powers continues to inspire both on and off the bike. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively imp

In this special solocast episode, Sarah takes center stage to share her ambitious plans for 2025. Known for her love of scenic rides and coffee stops, Sarah is leaving her “leisure cyclist” comfort zone behind and gearing up for two of the most challenging events of her life: the Rift Gravel Race in Iceland and the iconic Badlands Gravel Race in Spain. Listeners will hear how she’s preparing for these epic adventures, from training on gravel trails to learning the art of self-sufficiency for multi-day, unsupported rides. From crossing lava fields and steep climbs in Iceland to tackling 16,000 meters of climbing and sleeping rough under the stars in Spain, Sarah’s journey is a testament to growth, grit, and chasing big goals. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!

Sven Tuft is a retired Canadian professional cyclist renowned for his resilience, time-trialing prowess, and unconventional lifestyle. A latecomer to competitive cycling, Tuft’s early years were shaped by outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the wilderness, which instilled in him a love for self-reliance and endurance. Over his career, he claimed numerous national time trial championships, a silver medal at the 2008 World Championships, and competed in all three Grand Tours, earning respect as a consummate domestique and road captain. Post-retirement, Tuft has fully embraced his passion for adventure, often embarking on epic bike-packing trips and exploring remote landscapes. His minimalist philosophy and focus on simplicity reflect a deep appreciation for life’s raw, unfiltered experiences. Tuft views cycling not just as a sport but as a tool for connection, discovery, and personal growth. His outlook inspires others to prioritize authenticity and adventure over material pursuits. WHOOP

Why does a high-end road bike cost more than a car? This week, Anthony dives into the intricate details behind the hefty price tags, breaking down the materials, craftsmanship, and hidden costs that make these machines so expensive. We also tackle wider handlebars for gravel riding and how to balance control with comfort, plus the eternal question: how do you avoid flat tires? For light riders struggling on the flats, Anthony shares tips to build speed and efficiency. Finally, we explore whether waxing your chain is worth the hassle for gravel races and the benefits of adjusting tire pressures between front and rear for better handling. This episode is packed with insights to boost your riding experience, from tech upgrades to smarter riding strategies! WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free m

In this episode, Anthony is diving into the top cycling gear he used and loved throughout 2024—gear that shaped his year and could transform yours too. This year marked a shift for Anthony: fewer races and a greater focus on balance. After over a decade of going full gas on the bike, 2024 became about adventures like bikepacking and gravel riding. Anthony shares his favourites and why they stood out. Plus, with Cyber Monday just around the corner, highlights why these picks are worth keeping an eye on for great deals. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROUVY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week’s Rider Support is packed with insights for roadies, gravel grinders, and anyone seeking a mental or technical edge. We discuss what went wrong for Team INEOS during their disappointing 2024 season and explore whether their recent overhaul can bring them back to the top. Next, we dive into tips for managing anxiety when preparing for big events like The Rift, focusing on mental strategies and practical prep. Want to know how to test lactate threshold without a lab? We’ve got you covered. WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROUVY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ROUVY replicates terrain, gradients, and resistance, giving you the most authentic indoor cycling experience possible. Explore, train, and ride with ROUVY—visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROUVY.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we tackle a surprising nutrition pitfall: the one common food many endurance athletes eat that could be slowing them down. We also dive into essential macronutrient strategies, timing, and portioning for endurance events, with insights into carbohydrates, protein for recovery, and the pros and cons of fat adaptation. Plus, we discuss gut health, inflammation, and how poor food choices can sabotage performance.Packed with practical advice, this episode includes tips for easy dietary changes, pre- and post-ride fuelling, and how to avoid common mistakes while maximizing your performance. If you're ready to fuel smarter and ride stronger, don’t miss this episode! WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROUVY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ROUVY replicates ter

In this episode of The Roadman Cycling Podcast, we lay the groundwork for a successful winter training season. Before you dive into structured workouts, I share five essential steps to help you avoid burnout and build a solid foundation. From taking a proper break and easing back in with cross-training to ensuring your bike is ready for the season, these strategies set the stage for long-term success. We also answer listener questions about managing training loads, sprint tactics for group rides, and understanding key metrics like CTL, TSB, and power discrepancies between indoor and outdoor setups. Plus, we explore the balance of style and substance in cycling culture—are custom shoes cool for everyone? Whether you're gearing up for winter training or just looking to improve your approach, this episode is packed with practical advice to keep you motivated and performing at your best. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROULEUR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code R

In this episode of The Roadman Cycling Podcast, we dive into a critical but often overlooked aspect of cycling culture: the local bike shop (LBS). These shops are more than retail spaces—they’re the heart of the cycling community. From offering expert advice and maintaining our bikes to hosting group rides and fostering camaraderie, bike shops have historically been hubs of knowledge and connection. But today, many are struggling. Consumers are turning to online retailers, while some shops fail to deliver the community-driven magic that once set them apart. We discuss how both cyclists and shop owners can step up—riders by supporting local businesses, and shops by prioritizing passion, expertise, and community-building. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ROULEUR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off! WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠

In Scarcity Brain, Michael Easter dives into the human drive for more—exploring how our minds are wired to crave constant consumption, whether it’s stuff, social media, or comfort. He explains how the "scarcity mindset" pushes us to overconsume and sacrifice well-being in pursuit of temporary satisfaction. In this conversation, Michael shares practical methods to rewire our instincts, resist the pull of convenience, and adopt habits that enrich rather than deplete. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider modern habits and take small steps toward embracing discomfort for lasting fulfillment. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ROULEUR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off! WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a free month’s WHOOP membership on me!

In this episode, we dive deep into lactate threshold (LT) and why it’s a powerful tool for cyclists aiming to maximize endurance and performance. We break down what lactate and LT actually are, debunking common myths and explaining how LT differs from other metrics like VO2 max and FTP. You’ll learn how to determine your LT with simple field tests or precise lab testing and discover why LT training can help you build endurance, improve pacing, and avoid burnout. We cover common mistakes—like overtraining the threshold and neglecting aerobic base work—and discuss why the average road cyclist doesn’t need to fall too far into the LT rabbit hole. Whether you’re racing or just looking to ride stronger, this episode offers insights to take your training to the next level! ⁠⁠⁠ROULEUR⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off! WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively impr

Today we dive into the essentials of structuring your training week for peak performance. With a focus on balancing Zone 2 endurance rides and intensity, we discuss how to optimize limited training hours and avoid burnout—perfect for cyclists juggling busy schedules. We also tackle essential topics like fueling strategies with “train low, race high,” effective recovery, and knowing when to adjust your training for better long-term gains. Later, we chat about fine-tuning equipment, from the benefits of deep-section carbon wheels to the surprising impact of small tire pressure adjustments. We round off with a fun discussion on cycling etiquette and whether it’s ever okay to offer style advice to newcomers. Tune in for practical tips on maximizing performance, keeping training sustainable, and enhancing every ride with the right setup and attitude. ⁠⁠ROULEUR⁠⁠⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠⁠⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠⁠⁠ and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off! WHOOP Your health underpins EV

Dr. Stephen Seiler, the pioneering exercise physiologist behind the polarized training model joins Anthony on the show today. Known for his extensive research into endurance sports, Dr. Seiler has revolutionized how both amateur and elite athletes approach their training intensity distribution. We delve into the details of his 80/20 model, which emphasizes the importance of spending around 80% of training at low intensity to build endurance and only 20% at high intensity for performance gains. Dr. Seiler explains the physiological mechanisms behind achieving faster speeds at lower heart rates and breaks down key concepts like Zone 2 training and lactate threshold adaptations. Whether you’re aiming for peak performance or just a more efficient training strategy, Dr. Seiler's insights are invaluable. ⁠⁠ROULEUR⁠⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠⁠ and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off! WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you under

The 2025 Tour de France route has finally been revealed, and there’s plenty to talk about. From a classic first week setup to some surprising twists later in the race, this edition promises to be unforgettable. We’re diving into what makes this route unique, the potential game-changing moments, and who might benefit the most. Sarah will also cover some fascinating behind-the-scenes elements that could impact the race, including a logistical challenge that might just push riders to their limits before they even hit the mountains. And, of course, Sarah couldn’t resist revisiting one of the most dramatic moments in modern Tour history to see how it might play out differently next year. ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ROULEUR⁠⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠⁠ and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off! WHOOP Your health underpins EVERYTHING you do in life, and WHOOP helps you understand and proactively improve it through 24/7 monitoring.  Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join.whoop.com/Roadman⁠⁠

This week’s Rider Support dives into some of the biggest group ride mistakes you’re probably making—like half-wheeling your mates or bonking from bad fueling strategies. We kick things off with a question about whether group rides are becoming obsolete and discuss the top ways to bring that camaraderie and etiquette back to your local club scene. From there, we explore whether Rouleur Live is a must-see event for both new and seasoned cyclists, plus training advice for riders who feel stuck at their current endurance level. We also tackle how often to retest your FTP, the ins and outs of crank length changes, and a listener’s struggle with burnout from their intense training plan. Finally, we dig into “train low, race high” nutrition strategies and demystify periodization phases for self-coached cyclists. It’s a packed episode full of laughs, insights, and practical tips! ⁠ ⁠ROULEUR⁠ To get 10% off your ticket to Rouleur Live just go to ⁠www.rouleur.cc/live⁠ and use code ROADMAN10 to get 10% off! WHOOP Yo