Becoming faster?

Rich-hill

What is the key to becoming a better cyclist? As it stands at the moment I have just been going out for rides, varying in distance from 15-40 miles, and so far have been noticing an improvement in speed and efficiency. But having come from a competitive swimming background where all training was intervals, Just going for a swim doesn't make you quicker, is it the same for cycling?

What specific advice can be given to make a cyclist 'better'?

Many thanks
Rich

springtide9

Similar to swimming, same applies. Interval training works well, but so does pushing harder generally. But I would say unlike swimming, it's less about technique and more about fitness.

As they say, no pain, no gain.

Rich-hill

springtide9 wrote:

Similar to swimming, same applies. Interval training works well, but so does pushing harder generally. But I would say unlike swimming, it's less about technique and more about fitness.

As they say, no pain, no gain.

So going out and just riding isn't too much of a bad idea?

We use to clock upto 50,000 metres swimming a week but was pretty much all structured intervals, working all energy zones etc.

springtide9

Rich-hill wrote:

springtide9 wrote:

Similar to swimming, same applies. Interval training works well, but so does pushing harder generally. But I would say unlike swimming, it's less about technique and more about fitness.

As they say, no pain, no gain.

So going out and just riding isn't too much of a bad idea?

We use to clock upto 50,000 metres swimming a week but was pretty much all structured intervals, working all energy zones etc.

The more your ride the faster you will (generally) get... But, the more structure you put in the better use of your time.

It does depend on your goal. A bit like swimming or running; are you trying to get fast at long or short distances?
Roughly.... If long, you want a long steady ride at least once a week and faster shorter distances in-between etc

It's like any sport, steady pace mixed with intervals.