Daniela Bleymehl, as strong as ever on the bike. Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
4 cycling tips and tricks from Ironman champion Daniela Bleymehl
During the pandemic, thanks in part to the many sunny days, cycling mileage has skyrocketed for many. To help you avoid aimless rides and instead get the most out of your cycling training, Ironman winner Daniela Bleymehl has four valuable tips for you:
1. Variety
Variety on the bike is always good. You can switch between road bikes, triathlon bikes, and mountain bikes. This is important not only for your body but also for your mind. While you often ride a time trial or road bike with a training program and set intervals, you can simply let loose on a mountain bike. To add even more variety, it's also a good idea to ride different routes from time to time. You shouldn't always choose the easiest "home loop," but also ride challenging and demanding sections to build mental strength. The feeling of having mastered the challenge afterwards is all the more rewarding.
2. Train in a group
It's usually much more fun and provides extra motivation to complete base training sessions with a partner or in a group. However, when it comes to intervals or tempo sessions, if you don't want to do them alone, you should train with a partner who is at a similar level so that you can achieve your target values and avoid being either over- or under-challenged.
3. Alternative Training
To prevent problems and strengthen and relax the back and neck, yoga, strength training, and/or stability exercises should be incorporated into your training program. Targeted exercises can help you achieve a better position on the bike due to improved mobility, which in turn means better aerodynamics.
4. Cycling comes from cycling
Cycling is different from running. Simply racking up the kilometers can have a significant effect without putting as much strain on your joints. Following the motto "cycling comes from cycling," I wish you lots of fun training! 😀