Alex Dowsett's training tips

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Alex Dowsett’s training tips

Two-time national time trial champion Alex Dowsett reveals his training secrets

Sportive to racing

  • Alex Dowsett's move to Movistar has reaped its rewards, with a series of big successes since (pic: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

  • Pay attention to your weight - dropping a few kilos can make a big difference, but you need to strike the right balance (pic: Vaughn Ridley/SWpix.com)

  • Alex Dowsett, wink, IG London Nocturne 2013, Pic: ©Roz Jones

    A happy rider is more likely to make more progress - do what you enjoy, just be sensible says Dowsett Pic: ©Roz Jones

  • Alex Dowsett, rollers, Giro d'Italia 2013, stage 18, Pic: ©Roz Jones, used with permission

    Working at time trial pace, or just above it, in intervals is a good way to boost FTP (Pic: Roz Jones)

  • Alex Dowsett, Tour of Britain 2014 (Pic: Alex Broadway/SWPix.com)

    Thinking about racing? Just do it, says Dowsett (Pic: Alex Broadway/SWPix.com)

  • Alex Dowsett, Tour of Britain 2013, stage three, pic: ©Paul Hayes-Watkins, used with permission

    Movistar are no different to Team Sky in their pursuit of marginal gains according to Dowsett (pic: ©Paul Hayes-Watkins)

Sportive to racing

For anyone thinking about stepping up from sportives to race, then just go for it.

There are some bloody strong sportive riders so it’d be good for some of that to transfer into the racing scene.

It’ll be a huge learning experience straight away. Just try and follow guys who know what they’re doing as soon as you can. Don’t try and attack from the gun as it doesn’t often work.

You’ve got to learn how to sit in the wheels and keep yourself out of trouble at the front of the group.

It’s a completely different kettle of fish to sportive riding. You’ve got to get used to riding in a bunch and shifting along at 30mph without really having to turn the pedals that much. It’s a lovely experience.

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