The sporting off season. Does such a thing still exist? One certainly has to wonder given European riders winning South African mountain bike events in November. Dig a little deeper and one realizes that the key to late-season (and in-season) performance is embracing the colder climes of winter, stepping back a little and indulging in other activities.
Many Euros spend an extended period OTB (off-the-bike) and for good reason. Locales like Switzerland and Germany are covered in snow, making qualitative and quantitative saddle time a non-starter. Sure, indoor trainers do help but “the secret” alternative is hiking and cross-country skiing. Similar muscle groups are used, thus taking care of the physical aspect. More importantly though is the psychological relief. Yes, one has to love riding bike to excel but “too much of good thing aint a good thing anymore”.
Konny won Wines2Whales and was right up there at Cape Pioneer Trek along with Daniel. Both of these guys are solid professional riders with stratospheric aerobic capacities. Yet they both also know when to turn “it” off. Two weeks skiing, two weeks riding in Mallorca, two weeks skiing, then go to South Africa is how Konny likes to start his year. Daniel’s last key workout before Cape Epic a few years back? Placing well in a massive cross-country skiing race that took several hours. He does it every year. Needless to say that the excitement to get back on the bike is compounded by good condition and a clear head.
There might be no snow in SA but one can always walk. And walk far.
Works for Adam Hansen.
Good for the heart but also for the head.
