The Advantages of Early Season Training

With the long winter months and events such as Christmas on the horizon, you can be forgiven for not getting on the saddle and getting out there. The nights are long and the days short, and often the roads can be icy and the air cold. It is not an environment conducive to cycling. Early season cycling, however, if you find the right location, will kick start your next cycling season.

Location and Mindset

Mindset 

Early season preparation should concentrate on building your endurance

Ideally you want to start your training around February and in a climate which is warmer than most places in Europe. The Mediterranean offers a perfect climate for early season training. Temperatures are around 16-19 °C which are significantly better for productive training than temperatures around 0 °C.

Mallorca is an ideal location for early season cycling. The largely traffic free roads and Tramuntana mountain range makes it a perfect place to get on the saddle. This is because you can bask in the views of Mallorca as you twist and turn around the mountain range's corners without being faced by inpatient drivers. Several pro peloton teams use it regularly for this purpose including Team INEOS. In addition, and not to be neglected, it is only a short flight away.

If you are cycling in an inspirational location, then getting mentally prepared for the new season becomes easier. Rather than grimy roads and harsh cold, roads will be smooth and endless. This will make you want to get on the bike again and make each day feel like a fresh challenge. The more you cycle the stronger your mindset becomes, and early season training helps significantly in that regard.

Build Fitness

The better your cycle training the more fitness you will build. Good fitness allows you to ride further, and have a bit more in the tank should you need it. It makes cycling easier and more enjoyable. Building fitness on Mallorca is easier than most places in Europe thanks to aspects we've talked about before.

Your Bike and Equipment Cycling with SportActive in February can enable you to relearn old skills

As well as location and developing mindset and fitness, your bike should be ready for the new season. A good professional service will make sure the bike is mechanically sound and ready for the challenge of the New Year. This is also a good time to look at your cycle clothing and other equipment and make replacements if needed. 

Relearn old Skills

If you have not cycled for a few months it will take some time to relearn old techniques. A good early season training environment will allow you to take advantage of good cycling conditions to achieve the same standards you had last season.

Professional Cycle Coaching

Ideally, your early season cycling will include some form of cycle coaching. This will help you achieve your goals much faster, and provide an objective view of your cycling. This way any weak points can be assessed and your cycling improved.

Early Season Cycling with SportActive

To discover our early season cycle training click here. You can have a fully coached week or self-guided. Mallorca offers the perfect cycling conditions, and after your week with us you will be ready for the new season. Book and ride.

Early season training will give you the mindset needed for a successful season Mallorca's largely traffic free roads make it ideal for early season training

Submitted: 15/12/15
Updated: 27/1/20