In this episode the co-hosts explore what it takes to advance from an amateur cyclist to a professional cyclist.

Episode Timestamps:
1:20 A few years ago it was claimed that FTP was dead. We discuss whether the newer alternatives have any sound scientific rationale behind them and why FTP, despite its flaws, is still being used.
13:00 The amateur to professional cyclist roadmap
15:00 Prerequisites to performance, i.e. what you have to be born with.
24:00 Development through junior training and racing. Is it essential to become a professional? What should be the focus during this phase?
39:10 Training with a program. We discuss the benefit of having a coach or mentor and getting some help before arriving at the start line of your first race.
48:40 Amateur racing. What are the different levels? We discuss the importance of learning to win, and learning skills and racecraft.
1:03:25 The big jump from amateur to international level. What are the different paths and different ways to make this leap?
1:07:50 Lifestyle changes involved in moving towards the professional ranks. We discuss how pivotal these are in many careers and why the lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as it may seem.
1:13:10 Differences between the top level and the second and third tiers. What does the published research say?
1:20:05 Factors that come into training and race preparation at the professional level that many may not realise.
Episode References:
Workload characteristics and race performance of U23 and elite cyclists during an UCI 2. Pro multistage race (Tour of the Alps)

Aerobic fitness variables do not predict the professional career of young cyclists

The long-term athlete development model: Physiological evidence and application

Evidence-based prerequisites and precursors of athletic talent: A review

Discriminating performance profiles of cycling disciplines

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