A training diary can take several forms, from the old-school pen and paper to route tracking software like Strava and Garmin Connect, through to dedicated training programs like Training Peaks.

While both Gallagher and Clancy use Training Peaks, with the software providing the detail analytical tools they need as a coach and double Olympic champion respectively, Gallagher is a firm believer that even just a handwritten account of every ride can serve as a valuable resource for riders.

“It becomes a fantastic library to use,” he said. “I used mine to look back over how I did one, two years ago and it’s useful for me now when passing on advice to clients.

“Coming from a coaching point of view, we use Training Peaks software and it is the backbone of how we supply our coaching information.

“To develop riding, and advance training, that can only be done by looking at what has already been completed, making an assumption of what needs to be done in future and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. Such planning can’t be done without the sort of information a training diary provides.

“Training Peaks, Strava, Garmin Connect, pen and paper – they are all useful if used correctly.”