Okay I have been trying to avoid responding to this post because training is a tough question. I race in the elite class here, but if I was riding over there I'm sure I would race expert.

Hmmmmm.....where to start. I think training comes down to what you want to achieve in your season. Do you want to compete at optimal fitness levels for the entire season, or do you want to exceed the optimal and go for the peak fitness level during a small portion of your season.

Last year was my first year racing in elite and my aim was to compete all year round and get as many points as I could. I trained hard through the preseason and I wanted to be close to my best at the start of the season and hold it right the way through. At the beginning of the season I was doing okay, but as the season progressed my performance just stayed the same or went backwards. After speaking to a few professionals I found out that by training in this manner you only ever reach about 70% of what you are capable of. It is fine if you are trying to take out a point series, but not good if you want to aim to win certain events.

So I changed my focus for this season, which starts in April. This season I want to see what a peak level of fitness at a certain time in the season will bring. I have had to detrain myself, build a baseline of fitness, and then finally increase the intensity to build on the baseline. My baseline training consisted of low intensity long duration rides, and then as I started training I had to lower the duration and increase the intensity.

Right now I ride 5-6 days a week. I do 3-4 rides on the road bike (1 long ride, 1-2 moderate intensity shorter rides, 1 interval ride), and then I do 2 mtb rides (1 long, 1 shorter and technical).

All my training has been monitored and I work to set times, distances, heart rates, and cadences.

I really cannot give too much detail as I will be here all day explaining. I would get a copy of The Mountain Biker's Training Bible by Joe Friel. This book has been a great help to me.