PodcastsSportsAsk a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

TrainerRoad
Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad
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600 episodes

  • Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

    WHICH CONTINENT HAS THE FASTEST CYCLISTS? | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 589

    2026/06/11 | 41 mins.
    🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠

    // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!
    iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ 
    Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠
    Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠

    // TOPICS COVERED
    (00:00:00) Which Continent Has the Fastest Cyclists?
      (00:02:52) Power-to-Weight: Europe Sets the Pace
      (00:05:16) Raw Watts: 20-Min, 5-Min & Sprint Power
      (00:08:25) Body Weight Differences by Continent
      (00:09:28) How Each Continent Actually Trains
      (00:11:56) Who Trains the Most (It's Not the US)
      (00:13:57) Indoor Riding, Structure & Climbing
      (00:16:02) Who Races Most & What They Race
      (00:19:25) Awards & Wooden Spoons by Continent
      (00:21:48) Are You a Sprinter or a Diesel?
      (00:26:09) The Best Training for Your Phenotype
      (00:29:06) Strength Training vs More Bike Hours
      (00:33:30) Swap or Add Gym Time? The Real Cost
      (00:37:22) My Lost and Found & Leadville Race Plan

    Which continent has the fastest cyclists in the world? Coach Jonathan Lee breaks down training data from over 85,000 TrainerRoad athletes across 150+ countries to compare every continent by FTP, watts per kilogram, 20-minute power, sprint power, body weight, weekly TSS, indoor vs. outdoor  riding, and racing habits. Europe posts the biggest engines at 2.79 W/kg, Oceania sprints hardest, Asia trains the most, Africa races the most, and South America is the most structured. Then, two listener questions get full data analyses: are you really a sprinter or a diesel (spoiler: true polarized phenotypes are rarer than you think), and does swapping bike hours for strength training make you faster? Finally, Jonathan shares his Lost and Found gravel race pacing and fueling plan as he builds toward the Leadville 100.

    // RESOURCES MENTIONED
    - Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator:  https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 
    - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠
    - Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad 
    - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ 

    // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!
    https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.

    // HELPFUL LINKS
    - Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast 
    - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠
    - TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠
    - TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ 
    - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ 
    - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠
    - Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠
    - Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
  • Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

    JUST CLIMB MORE? WHAT CYCLISTS GET WRONG | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 588

    2026/06/03 | 30 mins.
    🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠

    // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!
    iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ 
    Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠
    Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠

    // TOPICS COVERED
    (00:00:00) 3 Cycling Questions, Answered by Data
    (00:01:27) Unbound Recap: Brutal Mud & Sharp Rocks
    (00:04:21) Does Strength Training Make You Faster?
    (00:11:15) Will Climbing Alone Make You Faster?
    (00:18:02) Does Altitude Slow Your Fitness Gains?
    (00:25:57) Leadville Prep & Sub-20lb Epic 9 Build

    Does strength training actually make you faster? On this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach podcast, presented by TrainerRoad, Coach Jonathan Lee digs into data from over 89,000 cyclists to find out, plus how many weekly sessions hit the sweet spot and why women may see double the benefit. Then we tackle two more listener questions using TrainerRoad's data. Can climbing alone make you faster, or is structured training the real key? And if you train at altitude, do your fitness gains come slower? Jonathan also shares behind-the-scenes from Unbound's brutal conditions and his Leadville prep with a sub-20-pound Epic 9 build.

    Whether you're chasing more watts, a higher FTP, or your next big gravel or MTB goal, this data-driven episode helps you train smarter and get faster.

    // RESOURCES MENTIONED
    - Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator:  https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 
    - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠
    - Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad 
    - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ 

    // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!
    https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.

    // HELPFUL LINKS
    - Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast 
    - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠
    - TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠
    - TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ 
    - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ 
    - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠
    - Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠
    - Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
  • Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

    STRENGTH TRAINING: THE MINIMUM CYCLISTS NEED | Derek Teel | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 587

    2026/05/28 | 1h 31 mins.
    🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠

    // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!
    iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ 
    Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠
    Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google

    // TOPICS COVERED
    (00:00:00) Welcome!
    (00:00:59) Jonathan’s Strength Training Confession
    (00:02:22) Listener Questions: Strength and Priorities
    (00:05:35) Are Athletes Overthinking Training?
    (00:14:38) Finding Time for Strength Training
    (00:21:46) Minimum Effective Strength Work
    (00:27:21) Daily Hangs for Cyclists
    (00:30:27) Core Training and Single-Leg RDLs
    (00:37:05) Weight Loss, Protein, and Discipline
    (00:42:26) Do Strong Cyclists Need Strength Training?
    (00:50:32) When Bodyweight Training Isn’t Enough
    (00:53:15) Ranking What Matters Most
    (00:56:50) Heat Training and Sauna Mistakes
    (01:03:29) Unbound 200 Predictions
    (01:09:41) Are 32-Inch Wheels the Future?
    (01:19:35) Lael Wilcox’s World Record Prep

    In this episode, Coach Jonathan Lee brings on Derek Teel of Dialed Health to break down why strength training for cyclists matters, how to actually fit it into a packed training schedule, and why simple, consistent work beats an overbuilt “perfect” plan every time. They use Coach Jonathan’s Leadville 100 prep as a real-world case study, covering how to add practical core, single-leg strength, hanging, and stability work without derailing bike training, plus how to prioritize the overwhelming list of marginal gains like nutrition, sleep, heat training, skills, bike maintenance, and chain waxing. They also answer athlete questions on whether naturally strong cyclists still need structured strength training, when bodyweight exercises stop being enough, and how strength supports durability, posture, power transfer, and long-term health. The conversation wraps with rapid-fire cycling tech and racing talk, including Unbound Gravel predictions, 32-inch wheels, tire and equipment tradeoffs, and how Derek is helping ultra-endurance legend Lael Wilcox prepare with strength training for her around-the-world record attempt.

    // RESOURCES MENTIONED
    - Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator:  https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 
    - Derek’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedhealth
    - Episode 437 w/Derek: https://youtu.be/rq3YIA4FoPE?si=2AW4IPfu_jgUFZ7a
    - Episode 557 w/Derek: https://youtu.be/s08cTVUXCIA?si=FGzfXu7UZ3aJ254q 
    - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠
    - Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad 
    - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub
    ⁠ 
    // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!
    https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.

    // HELPFUL LINKS
    - Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast 
    - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠
    - TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠
    - TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ 
    - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ 
    - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠
    - Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠
    - Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
  • Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

    ZONE 2 ISN’T ENOUGH: WHAT CYCLISTS GET WRONG | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 586

    2026/05/21 | 51 mins.
    🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠

    // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!
    iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ 
    Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠
    Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠

    // TOPICS COVERED
    (00:00) Welcome!
    (02:44) Training Time Distribution Across Power Zones
    (06:10) Comparing Structured vs Unstructured Workouts
    (09:03) The Impact of Training Volume on Intensity
    (11:49) Erg Mode vs Resistance Mode in Training
    (15:05) Exploring Durability in Cycling Training
    (26:56) Balancing Intensity and Endurance in Training
    (28:50) Understanding Durability and Power Output
    (38:09) Training for Leadville: Strategies and Insights
    (50:34) Preparing for Elevation: Nutrition and Equipment Choices

    In this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast, Coach Jonathan Lee uses TrainerRoad data to explore how cyclists who reached 3, 4, and 5 watts per kilogram distributed their training intensity across more than 140,000 rides. He also covers how ERG mode may improve indoor workout completion, what the data suggests about cycling durability, and how late-ride power relates to intensity, endurance volume, and fatigue. The episode wraps with Jonathan’s Leadville 100 MTB training update, including race prep, nutrition testing, equipment choices, heat training, and altitude preparation.

    // RESOURCES MENTIONED
    - Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator:  https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 
    - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠
    - Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad 
    - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ 

    // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!
    https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.

    // HELPFUL LINKS
    - Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast 
    - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠
    - TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠
    - TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ 
    - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ 
    - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠
    - Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠
    - Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
  • Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

    THE 50% RULE: WHEN BIG RIDES HURT YOUR FITNESS | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 585

    2026/05/14 | 51 mins.
    🍝 Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator! 👉  https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 

    🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠

    // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!
    iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ 
    Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠
    Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠

    // TOPICS COVERED
    00:00 Introduction to Data Analysis in Cycling Training
    01:22 Evaluating TrainerRoad AI Performance
    11:03 The 50% Rule in Training
    22:57 Managing Big Rides Effectively
    23:23 Understanding Athletic Age and Performance Metrics
    29:55 The Impact of Structured Training on Performance
    32:46 Analyzing Training Consistency and Performance
    42:14 Comparing Training Methods: On-Offs vs. Intervals
    50:47 Conclusion and Future Insights

    In this episode, Coach Jonathan Lee pulls back the curtain on TrainerRoad’s massive training dataset to show what actually separates faster, more consistent cyclists from the rest. He breaks down how TrainerRoad AI-recommended workouts are producing more power PRs while reducing workout failures, why the “50% rule” can help athletes avoid big rides that sabotage future training, and how even two hours of structured training per week can make riders perform like much younger athletes. The episode also digs into why your worst training weeks matter more than your best ones, how consistent “damage control” keeps FTP progressing, and what the data suggests about VO2 max intervals, 30/30s, threshold work, and over-unders for long-term performance gains. Throughout, Coach Jonathan emphasizes that these are observational analyses, not controlled studies, but the trends are clear: smart structure, consistent execution, and letting TrainerRoad AI manage the details can help cyclists train more effectively, skip fewer key workouts, and get faster over time.

    // RESOURCES MENTIONED
    - Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator:  https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 
    - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠
    - Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad 
    - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ 

    // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!
    https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.

    // HELPFUL LINKS
    - Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast 
    - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠
    - TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠
    - TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠
    - TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ 
    - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ 
    - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠
    - Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠
    - Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
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About Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad
The only podcast dedicated to making you a faster cyclist. TrainerRoad's Ask a Cycling Coach podcast gives you the chance to get answers to your cycling and triathlon training questions with USAC/USAT certified coaches, pro athletes, and other special guests.
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