Performance Cycling : Training for Power, Endurance and Speed

by MORRIS DAVID

• ISBN13: 9780071410915
• ISBN10: 0071410910
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-12
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press

Summary

From a U.S. Olympic coach, physiologist, and veteran cyclist comes Performance Cycling--the ideal training manual for the several million coaches, cyclists, and endurance athletes of all ages and abilities who want to rev up their RPMs and go for personal gold. With techniques utilized by national champions and Olympians, this unique, cutting-edge guide covers the proven ways to make any body perform for maximum endurance and toughness.

Author Biography

David Morris began racing bicycles at eighteen and raced for the University of Missouri cycling team, qualifying for Collegiate Nationals in 1991. He is a doctoral candidate in excercise physiology. Between 1992 and 1996, he worked as a sports physiologist for the U.S. Olympic Training Committee and USA Cycling in Colorado Springs. He then founded his own company focusing on cycling performance research, coaching, and consulting. By 2003 the athletes he has coached had won eighteen national championships, three World Cups, and two silver medals at the World Championships. He can be reached at www.racersready.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction: Cycling and Science Come of Age

Part One: The Human Body

1. Anatomy of the Machine

Muscular System • Digestive System • Endocrine System • Cardiovascular System

2. Fuel for the Machine

Energy Production • Digestion and Metabolism of Macronutrients • Energy Pathways • Macronutrient Needs • Micronutrient Needs • Questions and Answers

3. Testing and Evaluation

Maximal Oxygen Consumption Test (VO2 Max Test) • Lactate Threshold, Maximal Steady State, and Maximum Sustainable Power Output • Wingate Anaerobic Test • Are Blood Tests Necessary? • Questions and Answers

Part Two: Training Plans

4. Training Philosophies

Assessing Current Abilities • Setting Goals

5. Formulating a Training Schedule

Prescribing and Monitoring Workout Intensity

6. Choosing Workouts

Core Workouts • Block Training

7. Preseason Training: The Four-Phase Plan

The Four-Phase Approach • Phase 1: Resistance Training • Phase 2: Aerobic Endurance • Phase 3: Supermaximum Sustainable Power Intervals • Phase 4: Maximum Sustainable Power Intervals • Questions and Answers

8. Training during the Competitive Season

Becoming a Stronger Rider: Developing Power during the Competitive Season • Specializing for Types of Events and Peaking for Races

9. Should You Hire a Coach?

Evaluating Your Needs and Expectations • Evaluating a Potential Coach

Part Three: Training Aids

10. Ergogenic Aids

Evaluating Ergogenic Aids • Reviews of Potential Ergogenic Agents • Other Potential Ergogenic Aids • Questions and Answers

Afterword: Directions for the Future

References

Index

About the Author