This popular profile was first posted in 2014—it’s time to bring it back to the forefront! It is a fun progressive interval ride using a wide variety of terrain. The term “meritage” comes from the world of wine and means a “quality blend.” That’s exactly what these intervals are…a quality blend!Read more…
You’ve coached your riders to understand the benefits of establishing a benchmark metric known as functional threshold power, or FTP, a number around which they can set their intensity. You’ve used one of the recommended methods to determine FTP. Now what do you do? How do you provide each rider with their zones?Read more…
I was asked about riding with one arm held out to the side to ostensibly work the core. This, and all versions of one-arm riding, is one of those techniques I call #FakeMoves. Yup, that’s a new hashtag I want you all to start using when the technique is nothing but fluff and has no benefit! Read more…
This is an interval profile consisting of five loops. The songs use the chorus to dictate when you stand and push, so it will satisfy even the pickiest of participants who like to move in and out of the saddle! All of the songs have “Go!” in them; know the songs in advance so you can use the lyrics to motivate your riders.Read more…
Without question, music is an essential component of what makes indoor cycling so successful and fun. FTP field tests have a unique requirement and require high-energy, rhythmic tempos that help you turn the pedals in the range of the mid-80s to mid-90s rpm. We’ve got two Spotify playlists with over 200 songs—one with electronic genres and the other with rock, alternative, indie, and hip-hop tracks. There is a playlist with high-energy songs for shorter 3-minute FTP tests. Plus, we provide three full Spotify playlists for your FTP tests. We’ve got you covered!Read more…
Training with power is the best way to set benchmarks, determine workout intensities, and measure improvement. When you are ready to start leading 20-minute FTP tests, we’ve got everything you need in this Coaching Play by Play. It contains information on how to prepare your riders for FTP tests, what elements you should control during the test so it is reliably repeatable, the protocol to follow, and minute-by-minute motivational cues to coach your riders through this challenging event. Read more…
This course/profile consists of early rolling hills, followed by a fast flat segment with a paceline. Then, riders greet a big climb—and that’s only the first half! The second half is three circuits over another big climb before you get to pull on the World Championship rainbow jersey.Read more…
By now, I am hoping you recognize the physical and mental benefits of incorporating longer intervals into your repertoire of classes, whether you plan on doing FTP testing or not. The question remains, how do I keep my riders interested? Won’t they be bored? What if I get bored? Here are nine tips (linking to numerous drills and over a hundred cues) to make your long intervals more interesting so you can keep your riders engaged and happy. Read more…
Longer intervals can present a musical challenge for instructors. We have the tips you need to succeed! Here are four playlists with 400+ songs of all different genres to use in your longer intervals. I’ve broken them down by genre and tempo (bpm) and provided tips on how to use them. I also give advice on other resources for finding longer tracks. Read more…
In this chapter, I provide a sample time table of six to eight weeks with programming ideas for gradually increasing the length of the intervals and teaching riders to understand pacing. By the final week, your class should be ready for their first FTP test!Read more…