The Complete Athlete - Essential Ingredients

As I’ve watched the Tour this past week, I watch these pros in amazement and notice there are many elements that go into being successful in cycling. Because of the nature and number of elements of success, training becomes an inexact science and can sometimes seem more like an art. Over the next few articles we are going to attempt to simplify this rather complex science into usable information that can be applied to your training strategy. In this first article, we will identify the key elements essential to succeed in bike racing. These are referred to as the “Essential Ingredients.” In upcoming articles we will help you identify your weaknesses or “Limiters,” so that you can focus your training on specific areas which will make you a more complete bike racer and better your chances of winning.

Read the rest of this article:

http://www.athleticamps.com/cycling/coaching/id0041/

AthletiCamps at Sharp Bicycles in Lafayette - July 28th

AthletiCamps will be at Sharp Bicycle in Lafayette, CA on Saturday, July 29th to perform lactate testing. Performance testing is the optimal method to determine proper heart rate and power training zones, based on your unique physiology. Call or email us if you have any questions. We would be happy to discuss this process that has benefited so many of our athletes and led them to improvement on the bike.

www.athleticamps.com

Showing Off Our New Kit!

We rode 45 miles uphill from Auburn to Robinson Flat at 7000ft, just to take this picture of our new kit with this incredible view of the Sierras behind us! And THAT is what is so amazing about this area and why we hold our camps and performance tours here. Who needs France! Come join us and also learn something that will help improve your cycling, no matter what your level or goal.

RAAM has Started!

AthletiCamps is the official training resource for Team Donate Life, whom has entered 4 teams into this year's Race Across America (RAAM). Their primary purpose is to create awareness for organ donation. Check out the RAAM site for online updates and information about all competitors. Best of luck in this unique event:

http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

You can also check out the TDL website:

http://www.teamdonatelife.com/index.php

Winning Update

AthletiCamps athletes have been busy winning the last few weeks. We congratulate all of them for their hard work and effort:

Clark Foy (San Jose Bike Club) - 1st, Pescadaro RR (Cat 4). Congrats to Clark, as this completes his needed upgrade points to become a Cat 3.

Sarah Bamberger (Cheerwine) - 1st, Pescadaro RR (Women's Pro 1,2)

Dan Martin (Safeway) - 1st, Mt Hamilton (Masters 35+); 1st, Mt Hood Stage Race (Master's 35+)

Camp Alert: Upcoming June 21st Camp Still has 2 Spots Available

There are still a couple spots available for the June 21-24th camp in Rocklin. Performance testing at UC Davis Sports Performance Lab is first on the agenda, followed by coaching and great training in the foothills. Contact AthletiCamps for more information at:

info@athleticamps.com

Hope to see you there!

Wow!! Way to Go Dan Martin!

Alot of people would have called Dan's victory at the historic Cat's Hill criterium (Pro,1,2) this past weekend an upset. It was no upset. Dan works hard, plans his season with great detail and tracks his progress with regular performance testing. That is why to those who know and work with him, it was no upset. Congrats Dan on a victory that makes it all worthwhile. You deserve it!

Camp Alert: Two spots remain for this week's 4 day camp

While climbing one of the many hills at a recent 4 day camp, one of the athletes remarked, "I love the climbs in this area!". I responded with "And what do you like about them?" He responded, "They are the perfect length to improve my climbing skills and the view at the top of the Sierras!!"

Only a couple spots remain to be able to climb in the foothills for next week's 4 day camp starting Thursday May 10th. We begin the camp with performance testing, bike fitting and medical assessment at UC Davis Sports Performance. If you wish to sign up, email or call AthletiCamps:

info@athleticamps.com
1-866- 370-6516

Hope to climb with you next week!
Bruce

Congratulations to Jane Robertson (again)!

Jane (Metromint) picked up her second victory of the year in Sunday's road race of the Madera Stage Race(Cat 1,2,Pro) this past weekend. That victory gave her 2nd place in the overall G.C. Great job Jane!

Performance Testing for Effective Training by Corey Hart M.S.

Assessments are an integral component of a well-designed training program. They can also be used to systematically track physiological changes over a period of time and make comparisons relative to the cyclist’s competitive group. Perhaps the most important purpose of assessments are to prevent overtraining and provide direction for a future training program.

Read the rest of the article here....