How To Become A Pro Cyclist with Jack Burke Chris Carmichael
Mar 7, 2026
Chris Carmichael, legendary American coach and founder of Carmichael Training Systems, offers a concise tour of elite training. He discusses altitude strategies, supplemental oxygen sessions, heat and sauna protocols. He compares modern AI tools and metrics to timeless coaching fundamentals. Practical talk on cadence, testing, stacking altitude camps, and how racers learn to win.
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Use Lactate Tests To Guide Altitude Work
- Use lactate testing to compare sea-level and altitude efforts instead of relying on feel or HR.
- Carmichael endorses baseline lactate measures to ensure training intensity matches intended stimulus at altitude.
More Data Can Distract From Racing
- Technology has multiplied measurable metrics, but over-measuring can turn training into a science project and distract from competition and fundamentals.
- Carmichael stresses emotional and cultural aspects still matter for race outcomes.
Development Suffered As Local Racing Vanished
- North American development weakened as local races and junior fields shrank, but talent still emerges from pockets with strong coaching.
- Carmichael cites fewer crits and junior fields as the structural issue harming progression.