Training Q&A

What is your favourite training session?

I really like long-distance unstructured training rides: not a cafe ride, because I don’t like to stop, but something like six or seven hours at a low intensity.

What is your least favourite training session?

When I have to train on an indoor trainer, I hate it. I’d rather do nothing — or go out in the rain.

How do you stay motivated to train?

I don’t have any big problems with motivation to train. It is sometimes hard when the weather is bad and you know you have to do your workout regardless. But on the other hand, I always go out, even when I don’t have great morale, because once I am riding a bike, I like it.

What has been your biggest training mistake?

One that I regret was when, while in America, on my schedule was to train in the mountains, so I went out for five hours — but it was so cold that it led to some trouble with my knee, and after that I couldn’t race for almost two months. If I hadn’t done that training ride, then it probably wouldn’t have happened.

What is the one training fad or gimmick that really annoys you?

Going for a ride without breakfast. It’s not that it annoys me but it’s not a nice feeling: you are a little bit dizzy and you don’t feel comfortable on the bike and you can’t feel the power in your legs because there is nothing in them.