The virtual loop
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Varying your training routes can keep you switched on mentally and give you added motivation (pic: Media-24)
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Use a lower gear for your climbing and account for the fact your average speed will be low (pic: Media-24)
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Embrace headwinds (pic: Media-24)
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Mixed terrain keeps you mentally switched on and means you can recover between efforts (pic: Media-24)
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Long rides are great for building up your endurance base (pic: Media-24)
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Sufferfest videos can be great for motivation when using the trainer (pic: Media-24)
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Ease off on your recovery ride, but make sure you are still getting your legs turning (pic: Media-24)
The virtual loop
Such are the delights of modern technology, on those occasions where you can’t get out the door but still want to get the hours in then an indoor trainer could be a good solution.
Although you won’t be able to simulate exactly what you’ll find out on the road in terms of gradient and position on the bike there are options out there that will help you get pretty close.
Using training videos and following what’s happening on screen is one way to simulate the open road, pacing yourself against other riders or the terrain whilst focussing on your gearing, cadence and position on the bike.
Taking it one step further a Virtual Reality equipped turbo trainer allows you to compete against others online or tackle some of the most feared and famous terrain in the comfort of your own home whilst resistance adjusts accordingly depending on what you’re facing on screen.