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How To

How to train for a multi-stage sportive

Former Irish pro Ronan Mc Laughlin on how to prepare for a multi-day ride

The most important aspect of a multi-day event where there will be quite long stages is recovery, without question.

As soon as you step off the bike at the end of a stage you want to be trying to get a recovery drink in as soon as possible. Doing some stretching for five or ten minutes and then getting a shower – or even showering before the stretching – should come next. Then about half-an-hour or 45 minutes after you get off the bike you need a substantial lunch or dinner with plenty of carbohydrates, plenty of proteins and some veg in there for the nutrients.

Recovery is the key to surviving a multi-stage sportive (Pic: Richard Watson)

I think it’s one of Sean Kelly’s quotes – never stand when you can sit and never sit when you can lie down. Taking that approach to it will help. But these events are about having fun to,o even though the next stage will be important – so getting a recovery drink, getting a meal and then a bit of stretching in, and a massage if possible, are the key factors to recovery.

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