Cross training

It’s not all about the bike – not in winter, at least. Variety is the spice of life, after all. Slip on a pair of running trainers and go for a jog. When time is tight a half-an-hour run can be more productive than the same amount of time on the bike. Running is tough on your joints and muscles though, particularly if you’re not used to it after months in the saddle, so build up the time and distance gradually, and try to stay off-road where the ground is softer under foot.

Alternatively, join a local gym. Again, an hour’s workout in the gym may be more appealing than kitting up for a wet ride and it’ll give you the opportunity to work on often-neglected areas of your body through weight training and core stability work.