MTB and Cyclo-Cross

Podcast Version
​(With NotebookLM)

Elevating the Development Phase:
​The Power of Mountain Biking and Cyclo-cross

​​As executive athletes, the pursuit of excellence does not pause with the arrival of winter. Instead, the colder months present a unique opportunity to build strength, stamina, and resilience through the disciplines of mountain biking or cyclo-cross. These off-season endeavors not only prepare your body for a stronger racing season but also parallel the strategic and physical rigor you apply in your executive roles.

The Strategic Edge of Winter Cycling

1.Building a Robust Power Foundation:

Mountain biking and cyclo-cross, with their high-power efforts over varied and challenging terrains, are unparalleled in developing muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and explosive power. The rigorous physical demands of navigating through the mud and obstacles require repeated bursts of power, highly fluctuating pedaling forces and stamina that benefits road racing and triathlon performance. In fact, two of today’s most powerful riders in the peloton, Mathieu Van der Poel and Wout van Aert, both came from a cyclo-cross background.

2. Enhanced Bike Handling and Pedaling Skills:

The technical skills required for off-road cycling, from sharp turns to balance on uneven surfaces, refine your bike handling abilities. Further, the slippery surfaces require precise timing and the application of pedaling forces to keep your tires hooked. Hilly courses encourage an even circular power distribution and pedaling efficiency. This skill transfer makes you a more confident and efficient cyclist on any terrain, ensuring that when race season arrives, you're not just stronger, but also more skilled.

3. Mental Toughness and Focus:

The unpredictable conditions and rigorous demands of winter cycling disciplines foster a heightened sense of mental resilience. Learning to push through cold, discomfort, and technical challenges mirrors the perseverance and strategic thinking required in the boardroom, enhancing your capacity for focus and endurance in all aspects of life.

4. Bone Density for Older Athletes:

A health benefit to spending some time on rougher terrain is increased bone density. Cyclists are notorious for being very fit but having low bone density. The added impact sustained while riding off-road has a stimulatory effect on bone density, which can overcome the andropause and menopause symptoms.

Navigating the Challenges

While the benefits are compelling, winter cycling disciplines come with their set of challenges for executive athletes. The technical nature of mountain biking and cyclocross do pose some steep learning curves for novices and this could lead to more risks on slippery terrains. Gradually increase the difficulty levels as you get more comfortable and let yourself be guided by an experienced rider on known courses.

Embrace the Winter Challenge

Mountain biking and cyclo-cross offer more than just off-season training; they are a conduit for transformative growth, both physically and mentally. As you navigate the winter trails, you're not just preparing for the next race season; you're building the strength, stamina, and strategy that fuel success in every aspect of your life.

So, to my fellow executive athletes, embrace the chill of winter as your ally. Let the rugged terrains of mountain biking and the demanding courses of cyclo-cross sculpt you into a formidable competitor, ready to take on the racing season and the boardroom with renewed vigor and vision. The off-season is your season to rise.

Don’t forget. It is the small daily steps that turn into positive habits, patterns, and beliefs ingrained in body and mind. Enjoy the journey!

COACH GLENN BONUS TIP: 
​A lot of amateur triathletes focus too early on endurance speed, while the off season is ideal to focus on strength and power. Also, the weather conditions make riding your triathlon bike extra dangerous on slippery roads. Take out your gravel bike or mountain bike and seek out more hills. Your average speed will not be great to boast about, but you will gain great strength and learn to pedal more technically efficient, which will result in faster racing during the season. Trust the process!