The summer of cycling is here! We caught up with the Storey Racing team as they prepare for this years OVO Women’s Tour of Britain.
They will be discussing all things cycling and provide top tips to help you get out on the bike this summer!
If you were to give an amateur cyclist your top three training tips and techniques what would they be?
Sarah:
- Be wise about how much time you realistically have to train.
- Don’t forget rest, it is also part of training.
- Do time efficient turbo sessions that target specific areas of your physiology.
How to do you prepare in the week before a big race such as the Women’s Tour?
Becks: It’s not a time for panic training, so you have to maintain a work load & intensity without starting the race with fatigue. I’ll look at specific efforts that will help me on days which involve a lot of sprints, whilst still climbing so I am efficient in that area too.
What are your favourite things to eat the night before and the morning of a race?
Monica: This has to be flexible so you can replicate your diet anywhere in the world. Generally it’s a carbohydrate and protein based meal the night before and porridge with fruit and black circle coffee in the morning. Post race the team often toast a race with a glass of Eisberg sparkling. Keeping spirits high is an important part.
How do you recover in between each stage of a big race like the Women’s Tour?
Sarah: Recovery is both mental and physical. So much of the race fatigue can be overcome with a positive mind set. Eating well, staying hydrated, having a massage and taking your time to do things all aid recovery. It’s important to rest and keep your mind occupied so you don’t get restless.
Are there any things you’ve had to add or remove from what you’re eating and drinking during your preparation?
Beth: Balance is key and making big changes prior to a major race isn’t a good idea. The dietary changes are made in the winter and the team have all had their nutritional needs assessed at the team medicals with HMT Hospitals. Allergies or intolerances have been tested, so by the race season a rider has no further changes to make or worry about.
How would the health of the nation improve if more people committed to regular cycling?
Sarah: The cost to the NHS would dramatically reduce if more people cycled. The U.K roads are not cycling friendly though and motorists are far too impatient. If everyone could see the economic benefit of cycling becoming a major mode of transport, then I think their attitude would change. A drastic amount of money would be saved because people would be healthier, there would be fewer road collisions and a lot less pollution related disease too.
What benefits does regular cycling bring?
Emily: The mental and physical health benefits are huge. It’s been shown that cycling can delay the effects of aging and reduce your likelihood of cardiovascular disease.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start cycling?
Neah: Find a local cycling club and get involved. There are so many clubs all over the country and the ones with regular club rides will be best to get in to the sport. You can also try a taster session at a velodrome – there are five indoor Velodromes in the U.K: Glasgow, Manchester, Derby, Newport and London.
Why do you love cycling?
Monica: The freedom to explore on your bike is a big draw, plus the chance to travel and ride in different places. I’ve made lifelong friends in the sport too and it’s a very family orientated sport, with many different disciplines from road & track to off-road, cyclo-cross and mountain bike.
Good luck to the whole Storey Team in this years OVO Women’s Tour of Britain!
Storey Racing Twitter: @StoreyRT
