A training diary can be a valuable resource for both professionals and amateur cyclists alike, as a means of plotting progress and planning future training.

But how can you create and use an effective training diary? Why should you have one? What should it contain? And how can you use it to make the most of your time in the saddle?

We caught up with two-time Olympic team pursuit champion Ed Clancy and Dig Deep Coaching director – and former An Post-Chain Reaction pro – Stephen Gallagher to find out more.

Clancy, who rides for JLT Condor on the road, and the rest of the Team GB endurance track squad all use the online Training Peaks software as a means of informing coach Heiko Salzwedel of their progress when they are riding with their respective trade teams.

Meanwhile, Gallagher has used a diary since he began racing as a junior and now, like Clancy, uses Training Peaks to track his coaching clients’ progress and plan their future training.

But whether you use online software or a humble pen and paper, read on for both Gallagher and Clancy’s thoughts and advice on how to maintain a successful training diary.