15 QUICK TIPS

FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING

Petr Vakoc, of the Deceuninck – Quick-Step cycling team, shares his advice for combining winter sun and warm-weather training…

YOUNEEDWARMAIR 1

“It’s so much easier to do a long ride when the weather is nice – even more important is being able to do high-intensity work without the risk of getting sick from the cold air.”

GET RACE READY 2

“It’s fundamental to get a quality block of training in before heading to your first races or big rides. When the start of the season gets closer, you need more quality sessions on the road.”

BUILD TRAINING IN BLOCKS 3

“I usually train in threeday blocks. The first two days are usually more intensive and the third day is pure endurance. When the whole team are on training camps, we do a lot of tactical work as well, perfecting the lead outs or doing team time-trial sessions.”

PREP FOR RAIN IN SPAIN 4

“We often train on the Spanish coast around Calpe. It’s usually about 15°C and dry. The mornings can be cold, though – bring gloves and a rain jacket; it doesn’t rain very often but it’ll keep you warm on the downhills.”

PACE YOURSELF 5

“Be careful not to overdo it. With limited time, many people!go too hard and too long. When I get back to northern Europe, I make sure I have good shoe covers!and a neck-warmer, which lowers the risk of getting sick from the cold air.”