Top 5 tips for exercises to prepare for the new cycling season

Build your endurance: Cycling is a demanding sport that requires a lot of endurance. Therefore, you should start building your endurance well in advance of the cycling season. One of the best ways to do this is by incorporating long, slow distance rides into your training regimen. These rides should be at a low to moderate intensity and should gradually increase in duration as you get closer to the start of the season.

Strengthen your core: Your core is the foundation of your cycling power. A strong core will not only help you generate more power but will also help you maintain good form on the bike, which can reduce your risk of injury. Some of the best core exercises for cyclists include planks, side planks, and Russian twists. Here is a video that demonstrates some effective core exercises for cyclists: 

Improve your pedal stroke: The more efficient your pedal stroke, the more power you will generate and the less fatigued you will become on the bike. One way to improve your pedal stroke is by doing single-leg drills. This involves pedaling with one leg while the other leg is unclipped and resting on a stool or block. This helps to isolate and strengthen the muscles used in the pedal stroke. Here is a video that demonstrates how to do single-leg drills: 

Incorporate high-intensity intervals: High-intensity intervals are a great way to increase your power and speed on the bike. These intervals should be done at a very high intensity for a short period of time, followed by a period of recovery. One popular interval workout for cyclists is the Tabata workout, which involves 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for a total of 4 minutes. Here is a video that demonstrates how to do a Tabata workout on the bike: 

Take care of your body: Finally, it's important to take care of your body both on and off the bike. This means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and stretching regularly to prevent injury. You should also consider incorporating yoga into your training regimen, as it can help improve your flexibility, balance, and mental focus. Here is a quote from professional cycling coach Chris Carmichael on the importance of recovery: "Recovery is as important as training, and it's the key to achieving your goals as a cyclist. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking time to recover between hard workouts."

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a successful cycling season. Good luck, and happy training!