The Cycling Brief
Episodes
Cycling Performance Club: Dr. Dajo Sanders- Research evolved into practice at the highest level of cycling performance, Part 2 of 2
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue our discussion with Dr. Dajo Sanders (part 2 of 2), an individual whose skill and expertise in the realm of cycling perfor...
Cycling Performance Club: Dr. Dajo Sanders- Research evolved into practice at the highest level of cycling performance, Part 1 of 2
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many components within endurance training. Take for example field-testing, training intensity distribution, or training load. Each of these ...
Cycling Performance Club: Australian road nats, training apps, the coach’s role in athlete success, and CP musings
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey there! After a bit of a break in recording at the end of 2021 we (the co-hosts) sat down for a catch-up and to talk some shop. This episode can be...
Cycling Performance Club: Simon Jones- Coaching, science, and a post-marginal gains world
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Follow this link to take the listener Survey: Take the SurveyOr copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:https://forms.gle/dCkiBuWDSdet...
Cycling Performance Club: What is best practice for implementing critical power into your training? w/ Jason Bartram, PhDc, Part 2
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Follow this link to take the listener Survey: Take the SurveyOr copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:https://forms.gle/dCkiBuWDSdet...
Cycling Performance Club: What is best practice for implementing critical power into your training? w/ Jason Bartram, PhDc, Part 1
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Follow this link to take the listener Survey: Take the SurveyOr copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:https://forms.gle/dCkiBuWDSdet...
Cycling Performance Club: Dr. Paolo Menaspà - A master generalist in high-performance sport
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Paolo Menaspà is the current Chief Science Officer at the Australian Institute of Sport and has had a long and interesting career in the world of...
Performance Mind Operating System
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The performance mind may be touted as the last frontier of human performance - but what we’re talking about today has nothing to do with the explora...
Cycling Performance Club Bonus: How the Cold Impacts Performance
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bonus episode where Jason Answers a question from Harry Sweeny on thermoregulation and how it affects WorldTour riders. If you ever ride aro...
Cycling Performance Club: Harry Sweeny - Performance lessons from a World Tour neo-pro
20 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to World Tour neo-pro Harry Sweeny about his journey to the top level of the sport. How he has developed as a rider through national...
Cycling Performance Club: Jimmy Whelan
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We bring our very first guest onto the show, pro cyclist for EF Education Nippo, Jimmy Whelan. We discuss his transition from running to cycling and q...
Cycling Performance Club: Paradigms of Performance
06 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we take a look at the current performance model of cycling at all levels and ask the question - can we do better?Show Sponsor:For a li...
Lessons from my first year coaching in the World Tour
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’ll be upfront here - it’s a bit of a clickbaity title so to be clear I coach one rider at pro-level - the level under the World Tour. This rider...
Cycling Performance Club: Should we be blood lactate testing cyclists?- Part 2
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There’s plenty of information around how to conduct blood lactate tests, but information on why we test blood lactate is often entangled with confli...
Cycling Performance Club: Should we be blood lactate testing cyclists?- Part 1
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lactate and its association with exercise has been known for more than 200 years after Jöns Jakob first observed it in the muscles of hunted stags. C...
Cycling Performance Club: Everesting Guide
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as we guide you through everything you need to complete a successful Everesting.The idea is fairly simple but climbing 8,848m on a bicycle i...
Cycling Performance Club: An exercise in intervention evaluation: Does nasal breathing improve performance?
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We take a dive into the nasal passage and look at whether there are performance gains to be obtained through nose breathing. This leads to a discussio...
Cycling Performance Club: What you need to consider when testing cyclists- Part 2
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Last week we discussed the theory surrounding testing cyclists. This week we build on that discussion and look at ways the underlying theory can be ap...
Cycling Performance Club: What you need to consider when testing cyclists- Part 1
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Testing cyclists is a key component of a science-based approach to improving cycling performance. And there is a surprising amount of important theory...
What does it take to prepare for a Grand Tour?
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Take a look inside the planning and execution of a 3-week altitude training camp in preparation for a Grand Tour and learn how you can run your own.Wh...
Cycling Performance Club: Cyclist case study challenge!
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week the co-hosts challenge each other with hypothetical athlete cases. Each cyclist differs in physiology, cycling background, and lifestyle, bu...
Cycling Performance Club: Is that true?! Does that even improve cycling performance?!
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Your time and money are valuable. That’s why it is important to invest these commodities wisely and carefully consider the claims of products and pr...
Cycling Performance Club: Are you pacing your intervals effectively?
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
1:30 A training advice anecdote6:40 Interval pacing athlete conversation9:45 Oxygen-deficit and ‘lag’ in VO2 increase during an interval15:20 What...
Cycling Performance Club: What is the Best Cycling Warm Up?
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
2:10 More momentum for Critical Power over FTP7:30 What is the research supporting warm-ups for endurance events?12:30 What happens within the body du...
Cycling Performance Club: Threshold, Thresholds, Thresholds?
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You probably realize that ‘threshold’ is an important measure for endurance athletes. But there seem to be many different types of thresholds meas...
Cycling Performance Club: Can we cut ~40% off of race time in one year for a gravel endurance race?
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
2:55 Listener feedback6:05 What is SEVEN?11:05 Race day factors that could be rectified ‘easily’.15:25 Ride analysis from the 2021 edition of SEVE...
Cycling Performance Club: Wasn’t FTP Supposed to be Dead? & The Pathway(s) from Amateur Cyclist to Pro.
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Host topics covered in this episode:1:20 A few years ago it was claimed that FTP was dead. We discuss whether the newer alternatives have any sound sc...
Cycling Performance Club: Layman’s Articles vs. Scientific Articles, Coaching To-Do Lists.
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Host topics covered on this episode:1:30 Listener feedback4:20 What is a graded exercise test?8:15 Where do you get your training information? We disc...
Cycling Performance Club: Session Failure, Training around Carbs & the “Ultimate FTP Builder” Session.
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Host topics covered on this episode:1:25 What happens when an athlete can’t complete a session? What is the role of the athlete and the role of the ...
Cycling Performance Club: Does core strength increase FTP, Purpose behind VO2max tests and Rest weeks.
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Host topics covered on this episode:2:05 Is there a correlation between core strength and FTP? At what point does this correlation end and should we b...
Cycling Performance Club: Skills Training, Openers & Training Plans
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Host topics covered on this episode:1:45 Developing an athlete’s skills. Does skills training find its way into a training program? When is the righ...
Introducing: The Cycling Performance Club Podcast
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing a new podcast called The Cycling Performance Club Podcast and, you might already be able to guess it’s about all things cycling training...
A Look at Sepp Kuss and Consistency
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this show a bit more Strava stalking as we follow the break and build-up for the first 16 weeks of Sepp Kuss’s 2021 season. Following his trainin...
Preparing for the first race of the season
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we go inside the steps I took to get this rider race-ready. It’s a look at my coaching process, like how to determine race demands and fitnes...
Cycling Science Digest Chat + The Future of Training Platforms
12 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with fellow reviews of the cycling science digest to discuss a couple of papers that were released in Feb 2021, and in the...
Heat, Intervals and Performance with Jason Boynton Ph.D.
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Heat training - and pardon the pun, a hot topic in the world of sports performance - and frankly it’s been covered to death all over the internet. S...
Muscle Oxygenation for Cycling Training
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 2 on muscle oxygenation.In part 1 we started to go down the rabbit hole that is muscle oxygenation - with a smidge of muscle activation t...
A product and a primer on muscle oxygenation and muscle activation
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This show is about a new product on the market called Graspor. A product that might be able to help you:Find your optimum training intensity zonesFind...
Body monitoring for sports performance
20 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We’re not far from a future of 24/7/365 monitoring of all of your body vitals.,but how close are we really? What technologies are available today - ...
How to read a scientific study (and why it’s essential for coaches)
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The science of cycling performance is always changing. But you already know that - if you’ve been around cycling even for a few years you might have...
Muscle fibre typology and the individual responses to training
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Where do you fall in the common road cyclist categories? Are you a climber, a sprinter, a time trialist, a rouleur, a sandbagger...If you didn’t kno...
Does time of day impact performance?
28 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, not only are we going to try to work out how to perform in the middle of the night - but ask the question - how does the time of day ...
How To Analyse Ride Files and Bike the World
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, how I analyse rides in WKO5. Plus - an immersive indoor training app with an epic 790km ride across the Pyrenees.Find more cycling po...
How to Finish Strong on Long Rides + Heat Training in 2020
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, 3 ways to finish long rides strong even if you don’t have time to train your endurance as much as a pro. Working on positioning, bo...
How to Win an Elite Men's Mountain Bike World Cup
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With a maximum elevation of 171m or 561ft, Denmark is one of the flattest countries on earth, yet, it’s produced some of the world’s best climbers...
Victor Campenaerts’s Training and Numbers
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Take a deep dive into the training of Belgium pro Victor Campenaerts as we get a look at his power numbers, training load, FTP, Vlamax, etc. and the m...
Aero Testing Field Guide + Supersapiens CGM
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, the Aero Testing Field Guide, where share everything I know about reducing your CdA, and the process of testing to find the gains.Plus - anothe...
Power Speed Profile Aerobic Assessment
11 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Power Speed Profile Aerobic Assessment is used to assess your medium and long critical period power.There are a few important things to understand...
7 Common Mistakes that Cyclists Make (and How to Fix Them)
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this show a quick and dirty listicle with 7 Common Mistakes that Cyclists Make (and How to Fix Them). Plus - in the ‘Science of Fast’ segment ...
Compound Training: How smart cyclists build assets for an unfair growth advantage
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the components of compound training that deliver long term compounding growth as opposed to short term results. Plus - how Chirs Fro...
Power Speed Profile Anaerobic Assessment
28 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Power Speed Profile Anaerobic Assessment is used to assess your short critical period power so you know understand your current power.This is day ...
Power Speed Profile: A more specific performance comparison tool for cyclists
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Critical periods, such as the forcing of a break-away or a final sprint, are often decisive in a cycling race. It is therefore important to know how y...
The Latest Science on High Intensity Intervals and Foam Rolling
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode - intervals, what is the optimal interval prescription in 2020, what does the latest science say and does it change the way we’ve be...
A Breathing Toolkit for Focus and Motivation & N+1 Adventure Road Bikes
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Real-Time Tools for Focus and Motivation. Meditation is often brought up as a way to learn how to be calm and focussed - but when yo...
The Scientific Way to Learn Cycling Skills Faster
05 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how attentional focus through external coaching cues can speed up your learning process so that you reach a higher skill level, faster.Plus in t...
Training in 2030 + How to Increase Repeated Sprints and Power Output
29 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this show, we’re going to talk about how AI will impact your cycling training. Inspired from a beautifully written and thought-provoking article ...
The Most Underrated Skill for Coaches and Athletes
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We explore communication in this episode - how communication is related to your performance and what’s important to communicate both as an athlete a...
The 8 Best Cycling Tips You’ll Ever Hear
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this show a bunch of rad cycling tips. From why confidence is key to peak performance (and how to build yours) to when you should ignore your coach...
The Transition to Triathlon
22 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about taking your cycling fitness and doing a triathlon? It might be harder than you think ;)We cover the only cyclist to win th...
Introducing INSDIE - Targeted Nutrition
13 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We uncover the reason why the former World Champion would shove two fists full of gummy bears into his mouth immediately after a hard effort and how t...
Introducing INSIDE
27 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Opening up the professional cycling and sports world.Professional cycling has secrets. No, not the Omertá but the many thousands of people directly i...
High pressure washing, calming nerves before a race, dual-sided power meters, and more
12 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you ask your cycling related questions, and we answer. It's as simple as that.Question 1: I live in an apartment block and have n...
How to fuel evening rides, going tubeless and choosing the right insoles
22 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you ask your cycling related questions, and we answer. It's as simple as that.Question 1: I’m finding it hard to work out a goo...
Altitude Training for Cyclists Revisited
15 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Back in 2014, on the Semi Pro Cycling Podcast we looked at the arguments for and against the three families of altitude training; Live High Train High...
Stages Power meter failure rate, the latest on carboloading, and how to get your confidence back after a crash.
07 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you ask your cycling related questions, and we answer. It's as simple as that.Question 1: I’ve crashed recently and just don’...
Life After a Power Meter - Gaining Watts by Going Aero
01 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
On a recent episode of the Semi-Pro Cycling podcast, we had Dean Phllips on the show, a Masters rider who can basically be summed up as a multiple wor...
The Coffee Stop, Ripped Lycra, Foam Rollers, MIPS and more
15 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you ask your cycling related questions, and we answer. It's as simple as that.Question 1: How much does the Coffee Stop affect my...
Mental Fitness - Finding Fuel in an Empty Tank
31 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Any athlete can relate to the time old image of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. The angel is telling us to keep going, to push o...
Understanding Your Headroom to Grow as a Cyclist
17 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
To be a great cyclist, there is more to it than having good legs. Many competing cyclists focus on fitness and think that's enough to find a plac...
The Two-Sides of Pro Cycling with Phil Gaimon (Part 2)
03 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today we return for the second part of our interview with Phil Gaimon. If you missed out on the last episode have a listen here In this part of the p...
The Two-Sides of Pro Cycling with Phil Gaimon
20 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Is being a pro cyclist all it´s cracked up to be? Does riding your bike for a living, being paid to travel, being handed top of the line kit, or eve...
In Defence of the Mamil (and Why They Are Complex Creatures)
06 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What drives middle aged men to wake up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday or Sunday morning, while the rest of the world snoozes, to squeeze every inc...
The Relentless Pursuit of Cycling Aerodynamics
22 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cycling Aerodynamics account for anywhere between 70 to 90 percent of a cyclist’s effort (when not climbing a steep grade).Anyone—hardened pro and...
Broken Arm Riding, Trainer Mats & How to Brake with Carbon Rims
22 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Question 1: Broke my arm. Would like to keep riding indoors if possible. Is this feasible or will it be too rough with one arm for 6-8 weeks?Question ...
How to Keep Sweat Out of Your Eyes, What’s the Step up to Masters Like & What is the Single Most Important Thing You Can do to Reduce Sick Days?
03 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How to Keep Sweat Out of Your Eyes, What’s the Step up to Masters Like, What is the Single Most Important Thing You Can do to Reduce Sick Days, What...
Should You Run, Can You Use an Enduro Bike for Racing & Should You Ditch Your Garmin for Better Results?
06 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Should You Run, Can You Use an Enduro Bike for Racing, How Do I Train For Fixed Gear Criteriums (or Any Crit) & Should You Ditch Your Garmin for B...
SPC141 - Why You Are Fit And Unhealthy & What to do About It
07 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, why you are fit and unhealthy, and what this has to do with longevity. Sure in the world of high performance, athletes might actually be...
How to Lose Fat, Plan For a Cyclocross Series & Are Dual Suspension Bikes Inefficient?
16 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How to lose fat? How to plan for a cyclocross series? Are dual suspension mountain bikes inefficient? What are some recommendations for nice short fin...
SPC140 - Finding Longevity in Cycling (How to Ride Forever)
28 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to stay motivated once you stop racing. On the surface, this is about maintaining the benefits of cycling, things like, how do not put ...
Semi-Pro Cycling Update
24 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A look at where I've been and what the podcast will look like going forward. → Subscribe to the Cycling Science Digest → Join Team SEMIPRO
How to Ride With Slower Riders, Pre-rolls, & Should You Buy a Canyon?
27 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Enter the free giveaway by going to http://semiprocycling.com/giveaways/trainingIs there any reason why I cannot run two different size road tyres at ...
New Rider Rides, Training Motivation, & Cleaning White Bikes
20 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Questions:Any recommendations for an inexpensive, trunk mount bike rack?Are Fixed-gear bikes good?If you could get one bike, that fits this descriptio...
Smooth Legs, Bikepacking, & Rider Etiquette
09 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Pros/cons of shaving vs waxing?Keeping pace with strangers?When should cyclists give way to runners?How to adventure cycle? (Bikepacking 101)Are you a...
Cheap Trainers, Sore Arses, & Lumens
06 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Would a cheap trainer break my bike?Which crank based(spider) power meters would be compatible with my bb?How do I make the ass and other associated p...
Interval Road Hunting, 2x20s & W Prime Balance
28 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Clear Lenses for Nighttime Riding?What's displayed on your crit race day head unit?Why 2x20?Where do you do your intervals?I've tried to rem...
Which Road Bike for $3500? Should You Ditch Strava for Training Peaks, & Should You Ditch Active Recovery in Zone 1.
26 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Does Z1 power do anything?What road bike models should I check out in the $3500 price?Other than going and riding hills, can I make use of my flat com...
New Rider Fitness Gains, Offseason Riding, & Being Chased by a Dog
14 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This show:How much can a newbie gain in 12 months?Any good? Would like a disc that won't cost a fortune.What's the best course of action if ...
Garmin Alternatives, Testing for Repeatability & Criterium Tips
09 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this show:Lezyne GPS units. Yes or no?Recommendation for a heart rate monitor?Crit racing tips when half the field belongs to one team.How do I get...
When to Plan a Training Camp
16 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We look at the only really two reasons, and appropriate times to place training camps. Plus I have a proposition for you...→ Subscribe to the Cyclin...
The ‘Online’ Road to Cycling Success
15 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is the story of how, apart from his obvious ability, Brendan Canty used social media to get a PRO contract with Pro-Continental team, Drapac Pro ...
A Stair Step Approach to Improving Your Sprint
22 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We look at how to identify your sprinting weaknesses by putting together a Sprint Profile. Then learn how to train each of the 3 parts with a stair st...
Getting Ahead with Mentorship
15 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We follow the story of two aspiring PRO cyclists – and one old dog, that has assumed the role of mentor, helping Sam and Christian achieve their dre...
SPC139 - Velocity Based Training to Fine Tune Your Strength
15 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you will learn about a strength training methodology called Velocity Based Training. It’s interesting because strength athletes trad...
SPC138 - Big Data and Decision Optimisation for Racing.mp3
26 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Analytics and big data are the new buzz words in sports. This week learn how big data and decision optimisation are helping one rider in the Race Acro...
SPC137 - Advice to a Young Athlete
20 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What are the "little things" you could do off the bike to chase marginal gains? Alex Hutchinson answers an e-mail from a young elite cyclist...
SPC136 - The Best Supplements for Cycling Performance
29 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Do you believe there are supplements out there that will help you get to the next level? It seems it’s fairly entrenched into cycling performance cu...
SPC135 - Don’t Get Dropped : Analyse Your Bunch Ride
08 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We have all been dropped by a bunch at some point. there. This week we are going to look at advice for not getting dropped. Find out a way the 3 steps...
SPC134 - Strategies for Treatment and Prevention of Burnout
25 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explains what burnout is, examines the symptoms, illustrates why it occurs, provides a burnout questionnaire to assess burnout levels, an...
SPC133 - Does Poor Air Quality Mean Poor Performance?
18 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
On August 5, 2008, Sarah Hammer and Michael (meatball) Friedman arrived at Beijing Airport ready to compete for the USA 2008 summer Olympic games wear...
SPC132 - The Effect of Green Tea on Performance
04 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores Green Tea Extract and the promise it has shown as a supplement to induce weight loss by an increase in energy expenditure and fa...