Empirical Cycling Podcast Ten Minute Tips #64: Diagnosing And Training Weaknesses In The Off-Season
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Oct 2, 2025 Discover how to effectively diagnose and train your weaknesses during the off-season. The hosts discuss the opportunity costs of this strategy and when it may not make sense. Learn the importance of accurate assessments, from evaluating anaerobic capacity to understanding race tactics. They also explore the benefits of enhancing race skills through group rides and footage analysis. Finally, practical off-season tips on nutrition, strength training, and avoiding burnout are shared to keep your motivation high.
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Pro Sprinter Who Overtrained Sprints
- Cole described coaching a rider who thought she couldn't sprint but was chronically overdoing sprints in training.
- That extreme load explained her poor race sprints and improved dramatically when corrected.
Weaknesses Can Be Deliberate Choices
- Riders often choose weaknesses as a matter of training trade-offs rather than pure inability.
- Shifting focus creates gains in one area while sacrificing others intentionally.
Train Pack Skills With Purposeful Group Rides
- Practice race skills in targeted group rides during base season to rebuild pack comfort.
- Use controlled sessions to expand mental bandwidth for positioning and tactics.