Transitioning from junior to senior level in cycling presents numerous challenges, particularly for those born between September and December. While this timing might offer academic advantages, it can complicate a cyclist’s training schedule. As a December-born rider, I experienced this firsthand during my second year as a junior cyclist for GB. While my teammates, born from January onwards, trained full-time, I balanced a 40-hour school week.
Here are my top tips for navigating this phase:
Balancing School and Cycling
- Prioritise Education: Despite not being an academic enthusiast, I valued hard work in school. Life is unpredictable, and having a solid educational background as a Plan B is crucial.
- Seek School Support: My school was supportive, granting ‘sporting absences’ for races and training camps. They even adjusted my timetable to accommodate my training needs. Communicate with your school to get the support you need.
- Stay on Top of Schoolwork: Ensure you catch up on any missed work. My teachers were always available after school to help with anything I didn’t understand. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Effective Training Strategies
- Self-Coaching: Understand your body and recognise signs of fatigue. Illness can derail both school and cycling, so listen to your body.
- Detailed Training Logs: Keep honest and detailed notes in your training logs. This helps your coach tailor your training to your needs.
- Plan Around Exams: Populate your race diary with exam dates to ensure your training schedule includes rest weeks, supporting long-term training adaptations.
- Physical vs. Psychological Challenges: Stay focused, even on cold, rainy mornings. Use group rides for motivation and mix up your training terrain.
- Smart Training: Avoid the mistake of constantly pushing hard. Embrace a polarised training approach and make the most of your available training hours.
Maintaining Relationships
- Sacrifices: Understand that sacrifices are part of the journey. Stay committed to your choices, even during tough times.
- Supportive Friends: True friends will adjust their schedules to support you. Make time for them, too.
- Family Support: Acknowledge the sacrifices your family makes. Set ground rules for communication and show appreciation for their support.
By balancing school, training, and personal relationships, you can successfully navigate the transition from junior to senior level in cycling. Stay focused, communicate your needs, and cherish every moment on and off the bike.