Performance Cycling: Training for Power, Endurance and Speed ~ Paperback ~ David Morris

The recent success of Americans in the sport of bicycle racing has increased the interest of this sport in the United States and has lead to steady growth in the number of participants competing in organized bicycle races. To improve their ability to compete, an increasing number of cyclists of all abilities are hiring coaches or reading books to assist them with their training. There are no standards for coaching this sport and therefore many coaches are under qualified and none of the several authors on the subject have the combined research and coaching experience that has been used to make Performance Cycling a unique and cutting-edge book. This is a serious training manual for both beginners and advanced cyclists. It does not cover what gear to buy or how or where to ride but, rather, it is a detailed look at how the human body works and the best, proven, ways to make it work better in terms of performance. It covers everything from anatomical and physiological systems, nutrition, laboratory and field tests, designing and implementing long term training programs, to finding the right coach. Additionally, the book also addresses the efficacy of 16 purported ergogenic aids (i.e. Steroids) - from what works, what's illegal, to proper and safe use. The training outlined in this book is ideal for coaches and competitive cyclists of all ages and abilities and is applicable to cyclists from all disciplines including road, track, cyclocross, mountain biking and triathletes. And, in a broader scope, the information would be valuable to athletes of all endurance sports.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments 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 AuthorAuthor BiographyDavid 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.