Episoder
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Dive into the third episode of Peak Access, where the conversation goes beyond just race recaps.
Alex Howes â and â Joe Lewisâ unpack what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in the world’s biggest bike race, translating elite tactics into actionable advice for all athletes and coaches.
From mastering fueling habits to understanding the critical role of rest, while balancing try to surviving rest days during The Tour, and the science behind power-to-heart-rate decoupling, this episode is a playbook for building durability and outlasting the competition.
What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments! đ
For more info and stories about how WorldTour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/grand-tour-july-2026/
#TourdeFrance #PeakAccess -
Many believe that riding outdoors in high temperatures guarantees heat adaptation. But that’s not the whole story.
Aline Barre, the Endurance Performance Lead for CORE, explains what it takes to get true performance benefits for athletes. And why real heat training requires understanding both internal and external temperatures. Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean your body is adapting effectively.
To truly benefit, Aline says to aim for an elevated core temperature, around 38.5°C. This means overdressing in controlled environments — like the indoor trainer on TrainingPeaks Virtual — can lead to more effective training sessions!
Remember, not all heat is created equal. Are you using the right methods for your training?
#HeatTraining #SportsScience -
Mangler du episoder?
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Time to dive into the actual power behind the race.
Alex Howes and Joe Lewis are back to break it all down on the next episode of Peak Access, part of the Endurance Unlimited podcast.
Get behind-the-scenes insights from Alex and Joe as they decode pro power numbers, team tactics, and the mental game of modern bike racing from the first few stages of the Tour de France.
Join us as we breakdown how data, mindset, and durability are changing how coaches and riders think about effort and race strategy.
What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments!
For more info and stories about how WorldTour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/grand-tour-july-2026/ -
Go inside the mind of WorldTour coach, Koen Pelgrim, as the episode traces the journey from the physiology lab to the chaos of racing. You’ll get an inside look at what it takes to build a champion—from altitude camps and heat training protocols to how gym and strength work have become non-negotiables for today’s sprinters. The discussion digs deep into balancing “the art and science” of coaching, sharing actionable insights on tapering, team communication, and why trusting data (like heart rate and strain metrics) is key—but personal connection comes first.
Key takeaways in this episode:
Elite Prep: How sprinters and GC riders train differently for the Tour de France
Altitude + Heat: Extend performance gains with modern adaptation strategies
Strength & Conditioning: Why gym work is a pillar in today’s cycling programs
Data in Action: How daily recovery, RPE, and metrics drive real-time decisions
Art vs. Science: Why true coaching blends analytics and human intuition
Learn how top coaches prepare elite sprinters for the Tour and use cutting-edge altitude and heat adaptation hacks. Discover proven performance analytics and real athlete-coach conversations that make the difference at the world's biggest races.
Chapters:
00:00 – Altitude & Heat Training: Boosting Endurance for the Tour
00:53 – Training Differences: Sprinters vs. GC Riders
01:13 – Meet Koen: Coaching Roots & Early Influence
02:01 – Recent Wins & Prepping for the Tour de France
02:24 – From University Researcher to World Tour Coach
05:16 – Coaching Lessons: Lab to Real-World Application
06:04 – Culture Shift: Structured Plans in Pro Cycling
08:21 – Sprinter Preparation: Specific Workouts & Stage Simulation
09:05 – Altitude Camps for Sprinters: Aerobic & Anaerobic Focus
10:26 – Practicing Lead-Out Trains & Team Dynamics
11:55 – Strength Training: How Gym Work Evolved in Cycling
14:34 – Tapering: Differences for Sprinters and Climbers
16:29 – The Rise of Young Talent: Paul Magnier’s Development
19:32 – Balancing Sprint Power & Classic Ambitions
20:02 – Analyzing Race Data: Daily Effort, Heart Rate, and Recovery
23:43 – Heat Adaptation: Protocols Leading to the Tour
27:47 – Monitoring Subjective Data: Conversations Over Metrics
30:13 – Adaptive Training Plans & Athlete Autonomy
33:33 – Preventing Overtraining: Keeping Riders Controlled
35:08 – Art vs. Science: The Human Side of Coaching
36:43 – Closing Thoughts & Tour de France Preview -
Ever wondered what it takes to prep for the toughest endurance race on Earth?
Alex Howes and Joe Lewis kick off a new series, "Peak Access," part of the Endurance Unlimited podcast. In our first episode, we dive into the unique challenges of the Tour de France. With over 54,000 meters of climbing in just 21 days, this race is not for the faint-hearted.
But it’s not just about the climbs. The athletes are facing a historic heat wave, making their training even more crucial.
Join us as we discuss the insights, strategies, and the importance of the performance management chart that keeps these pros on track.
What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments! đ
For more info and stories about how Tour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page.
#TourdeFrance #PeakAccess -
Multi-sport training secrets, Olympic mindset shifts, and the art of balancing endurance sports—discover how to build unstoppable athletic versatility. Elevate your coaching or racing with power-packed tips from an Olympian who breaks all the rules.
World-class athlete Anna Gibson joins Dirk on Endurance Unlimited to share her roller-coaster journey from track running and alpine skiing to trail, skimo, and elite gravel and mountain biking—often flipping the script on traditional training wisdom. You’ll get actionable insights into how being a multi-sport athlete can supercharge your competitive edge, why chasing curiosity fuels elite performance, and how to strategically blend volume, intensity, and rest when balancing several disciplines at once.
Chapters:
00:00 – Anna Gibson’s Olympic Skimo Leap: The Unexpected Journey
01:46 – Building a Multi-Sport Engine: Running, Skiing, and Biking
03:54 – Life After the Olympics: Motivation, Mental Health & Reset
06:47 – From Alpine and Nordic to Trail: Early Athletic Foundations
10:30 – Closet Skimo Training and the Road to Team USA
12:26 – Saying Yes: Olympic Skimo Commitment and Qualification
15:17 – The Role of Camps and Community in Rising Fast
17:01 – Blending Training: Off-Season Recovery and Rapid Skill Development
19:44 – Confidence, Resilience, and Takeaways From Multi-Sport Racing
21:45 – Optimizing Cross-Training: Interplay Between Running, Biking & Skiing
24:18 – Future Goals: Big Mountain Events and Staying Curious
28:06 – Challenging Specialization: Lessons From Racing and Experimenting
29:55 – Leadville 100 Prep: Structure, Weaknesses, and Training Philosophy
35:39 – Sponsorships and Career Balance in a Multi-Sport Life
38:08 – Managing Workouts, Recovery, and Strength Across Disciplines
43:19 – Coaching Multi-Sport Athletes and Advice for Beginners
46:30 – Embracing Uncertainty, Staying Curious, and the Road Ahead -
Pregnancy and Elite Athletic Performance: How Pro Cyclist Sarah Sturm and Coach Dennis Van Winden Redefine Training for Mom Athletes. Discover top pregnancy-safe training tips, real athlete-coach strategies, and how to navigate racing, metrics, mental health, and sponsorships, without missing a beat.
Elite cyclist Sarah Sturm and her coach Dennis Van Winden break new ground with a candid look at what it takes to maintain consistency, motivation, and health throughout pregnancy as a professional athlete. From adapting the athlete’s mindset to rethinking metrics and embracing Rate of Perceived Exertion, this episode delivers essential insights for female athletes (and coaches) facing the unknowns of pregnancy and postpartum return to racing.
00:00 – Mindset Shift: From Performance to Health in Pregnancy04:07 – When Career Meets Family: Planning for Pregnancy10:17 – Stress, Racing Seasons, and Conceiving as an Athlete14:56 – Privacy, Career Impact, and the Athlete Mindset17:33 – Letting Go of FTP: Embracing RPE and Subjective Training21:02 – Nutrition & Fueling: Adapting Intake for Pregnancy Needs22:36 – Flexible Programming: Communication and Weekly Check-ins29:10 – Grand Prix Notification: Navigating Pregnancy in Pro Competition31:15 – Pioneering Deferrals: Advocating for Maternity Policies33:14 – Sponsor Support: Contracts, Clauses, and Progressive Change35:35 – Identity Shifts: Psychological and Emotional Dynamics38:12 – Planning the Comeback: Hopes and Unknowns for 202743:02 – The Coach-Athlete Relationship: Trust, Adaptability, and Support49:03 – Data Gaps and Experimentation: Building Knowledge for Future Athletes54:38 – Comparing Experiences: Each Pregnancy is Unique59:46 – Postpartum Roadmap: Day-by-Day Planning for the Comeback1:02:02 – Advice for Athletes: Building a Support System Before and During Pregnancy1:02:41 – Closing Thoughts: Changing the Conversation about Pregnancy, Athletics, and Support -
Heat Adaptation Hacks for Cyclists: How the Pros Master Sauna Protocols, Active Heat Training & Performance Gains. Discover the power of heat acclimatization to boost resilience, race readiness, and recovery in any climate.
Pro coach Ben Day unleashes the secrets of modern endurance training through practical protocols and behind-the-scenes stories from Girona, Boulder, and the pro peloton. This episode peels back the science of heat training—from sauna and hot tub sessions to sweat-inducing paint suits and indoor trainer hacks—and reveals how every athlete, from ambitious amateurs to WorldTour contenders, can unlock cardiovascular and performance gains with just 7-14 days of heat exposure.
Learn how to:
Integrate heat training into your annual plan for serious marginal gains without burning out
Dial in the balance between active (trainer, paint suit) and passive (sauna, hot tubs) protocols to match your schedule
Track adaptation using heart rate, power, core temperature, and good old-fashioned athlete feedback for a complete picture
Avoid common mistakes—why “more is not better” and the art of nailing your heat adaptation window for race day
Whether you’re prepping for a midsummer gran fondo, an early Tour Down Under, or just want a physiological edge, you’ll hear exactly how the world’s best apply cutting-edge research and TrainingPeaks tools to bring it all together. Consistency, structured feedback, and smart scheduling are the name of the game—get the pro tips to adapt faster, recover better, and take your performance into the red-hot zone. -
In this episode, George Hincapie and Bobby Julich joins host Dirk Friel to dive into the ambitious launch of Modern Adventure Cycling—a new American cycling team that’s already making waves on the international stage. With decades of experience racing and leading teams, George Hincapie and Bobby Julich share what inspired them to tackle this monumental project, how they overcame challenges in building their roster, and why fostering a positive team culture matters more than chasing results.
From candid stories about assembling their squad to detailing their unique approach to high performance and athlete development, this episode is a masterclass on leadership, adaptability, and what it means to create opportunities for the next generation of American cyclists. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes moments from training camps in Girona, their unexpected invitations to world-class races, and the philosophy that guides them as they strive not only for podiums, but for lasting impact in the cycling community.
00:00 Power Analysis and Lap Comparison
03:09 "New Devices, Metrics, Automation"
07:50 "Inside Modern Adventure Pro Cycling"
12:04 "Securing the Deal to Start"
13:43 "Selecting Young Cyclists Wisely"
18:14 Supporting Riders, Building Futures
21:40 "Building a Team We Wanted"
24:26 Teamwork Boosts Morale
27:52 "Coaching: Data vs. Connection"
31:58 "Adjusting Plans for Race Invites"
33:11 American Cycling's Ambitious Revival
36:04 "Performance Priorities and Future Goals"
40:20 Emerging American Cyclists in Spotlight
42:54 "Team Unity Drives Success"
47:51 "Maintaining American Presence Abroad"
50:42 "Endurance Unlimited Podcast Sign-Off" -
In this episode, we dig into an inspiring athlete’s evolution, exploring the high-stakes world of elite road marathoning and the tough transition to trail and ultra running. Olympic marathon bronze medalist Molly Seidel and her coach, Cliff Pittman, join us to walk us through her running journey —overcoming chronic injuries, recalibrating her goals after an Olympic medal, and battling the mental and physical challenges that come with shifting from polished pavement to rugged singletrack.
You’ll hear firsthand how Molly faced setbacks, from broken bones to burnout, and how her passion led her to the trails. Cliff shares how he’s helping Molly adapt her world-class engine for the unique demands of ultras, blending thorough communication, athlete autonomy, and strategic training techniques. From dialing in race nutrition to conquering technical descents, this episode delivers real lessons — plus a behind-the-scenes look at one of the newest and most intriguing athlete-coach duos in endurance sports.
Whether you’re a long-time road runner, aspiring ultramarathoner, or endurance coach, you’ll find wisdom, humility, and plenty of practical takeaways on embracing change, trusting the process, and honoring the journey. -
Host Dirk Friel is joined by sleep researcher and sleep coach Charlotte Edelsten, whose expertise is backed by over two decades of research on sleep and performance. Together, they dive deep into the science behind sleep for endurance athletes—addressing why sleep is a true foundation for training adaptations, injury prevention, and race-day performance.
Charlotte Edelsten shares insights from her years conducting research at high-profile endurance events like UTMB Mont Blanc, unpacks why many athletes struggle with sleep quality (even Olympians!), and dispels myths about supplements and wearables. She discusses practical strategies for managing sleep during training and competition, including napping protocols, sleep banking, and how to optimize rest at altitude or before an ultra-endurance race.
00:00 "Endurance Training & Sleep Insights"
03:37 Sleep Disturbances in Athletes
09:10 Caffeine: Adenosine Blocker Explained
11:10 Limitations of Sleep-Tracking Devices
13:21 "Sleep's Impact on Athletic Performance"
18:46 "Understanding Sleep Through Sleep Diaries"
20:54 "Supplements Won't Cure Sleep Issues"
26:07 "Pre-Race Sleep and Mindset"
29:18 "Sleep Strategies and Performance"
31:01 "Gradual Sleep Extension for Athletes"
33:39 "Strategic Napping in Sports"
37:39 "Optimizing Sleep for Best Rest"
42:09 Sleep's Role in UTMB Success
43:49 "Fatigue Management for Runners"
47:42 "Caffeine Strategies in Training"
50:51 "Hallucinations From Extreme Sleep Deprivation"
55:12 "Endurance Unlimited: Follow & Train" -
On this episode of Endurance Unlimited, host Dirk Friel sits down with rising star Cam Smith, professional trail runner and ski mountaineering athlete who's just qualified for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Together, they dig into the strategy and preparation behind Team USA’s dramatic World Cup victory in Solitude, Utah—which not only put the U.S. a ticket to the Games for Skimo, but also set the stage for what’s next in this fast-evolving sport.
Cam Smith shares his journey from ultra-endurance races to the high-intensity, quick-transition world of ski mountaineering, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the training philosophies, mistakes to avoid, and the unique demands of mixed relay competition. You’ll hear how he leverages both running and skiing to fuel his performance, and get an inside look at how emerging talent like Anna Gibson is shaking up the U.S. team.
00:00 "Mixed Relay Racing Strategies"
03:32 "Qualifying on Home Soil"
07:50 "Trail Running Meets Skiing"
12:44 "Balancing Racing Seasons and Goals"
15:41 "Short Turnaround: Leveraging Speed"
17:45 Training for Steep Mountain Racing
22:48 "Injuries, Adaptation, and Focus"
24:39 Future Trail Racing Plans
29:30 "Building a Strong Skimo Team"
31:26 "Join Our Thriving Federation"
36:50 "Pacing Strategies in Racing"
38:38 Downhill Training for Racing Success
43:02 "Post-Season Training Reset"
45:19 "Skimo's Impact and Future"
48:40 "Inspiring the Next Generation" -
In this episode, Host Allison Bettin is joined by Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, for an athlete-focused episode on the off-season, including practical strategies to help athletes integrate their training with work, family, and life, as well as building systems that drive long-term success.
Instead of chasing peak fitness or pushing for higher power numbers, Matt urges athletes to focus on rejuvenation, consistency, and building foundational habits that set the stage for breakthroughs later in the season. He makes it clear: the off-season is not about piling on more work, but fine-tuning the invisible groundwork, like sleep, nutrition, strength training, and skill development.
Whether you’re a dedicated competitor or just striving to be your best, tune in for expert tips and actionable advice that will help you come back stronger, faster, and ready to tackle your goals head-on. If you’re wondering how to structure your downtime for maximum gain, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom on building consistency, adopting a “challenge mindset,” and making off-season training not just effective, but fun and fulfilling. -
In this episode, Host Allison Bettin is joined by Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, for a masterclass on the offseason—the time of year Matt Dixon boldly claims is the single biggest predictor of athlete breakthroughs.
Together, they unpack Matt Dixon’s four-phase coaching model and explore why offseason isn’t just a break, but a critical opportunity for reflection, realignment, and revolutionizing athletic potential. You’ll hear actionable insights on athlete retention, the art of the season review, what mistakes coaches often make, and how to turn downtime into your most powerful training advantage.
Plus, discover the holistic habits and “offseason toolkit” that make the difference between a good athlete and a great one—along with practical ways TrainingPeaks brings it all together. -
Host Dirk Friel sits down with Dr. Scott Frey, author, neuroscientist, and psychologist, for a deep dive into the critical role that the brain plays in endurance sports performance.
Scott Frey explains how the brain is the "central command and control center" for both physical and cognitive performance, and how neuroplasticity—our brain's ability to change—offers untapped potential for athletes. Scott breaks down how mental fatigue impacts physical output and why neglecting “brain tapering” could be holding you back on race day.
Discover the science behind neuroplasticity, actionable strategies to regulate stress and arousal, and why even top performers may be leaving “low-hanging fruit” on the table by not deloading cognitive stress before big events. Whether you’re coaching, competing, or striving for your personal best, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to harness the power of your brain for peak performance.
00:00 From Running to Brain Research
06:11 "From Science to Sport Mastery"
13:48 "Optimizing Performance Through Neuroplasticity"
20:44 "Brain's Role in Workout Performance"
23:13 "Tapering Cognitive Load for Athletes"
27:17 "Training Decision-Making Under Fatigue"
36:13 "Rethinking Brain Training Methods"
38:15 "Training for Resilience and Balance"
44:08 "Brain Signals and Survival"
48:53 Measuring Cognitive Fatigue in Training
56:37 "Concussion Effects and Recovery"
01:00:18 "How Brains Heal Differently" -
TrainingPeaks' Education Specialist, Cody Stephenson, is joined by returning guest and eSport cycling coach Zach Nehr and professional cyclist and esports racer Hayden Pucker—better known as Farm Watts—for an honest, high-energy deep-dive into the world of virtual endurance racing. We’ll hear about Hayden Pucker’s unconventional journey from riding a hundred miles before dawn in Wisconsin to racking up power records and chasing the podium at the esports world championships.
Zach Nehr, Hayden Pucker's coach, shares nuts-and-bolts insights on how shifting training toward shorter, high-intensity intervals unlocked Hayden’s next level—and how dialing in things like core strength, fueling, and tactical savvy makes all the difference in esports.
The episode tackles everything: race strategy, the key differences between virtual and real-world riding, handling setbacks, and why communication is everything between coaches and athletes.
Whether you’re an endurance athlete, coach, or just curious about the future of virtual competition, this episode is packed with empowering takeaways and a wealth of actionable advice. -
Host Dirk Friel sits down with Jim Miller, Chief of Sports Performance at USA Cycling and the most decorated cycling coach in U.S. history. They dive deep into Jim’s unparalleled coaching journey—from collegiate racing days in Colorado to guiding athletes like Keegan Swenson and Kristin Armstrong to Olympic and World Championship podiums.
Jim shares insights on the delicate balance of science and art in coaching, the critical importance of an authentic athlete-coach connection, and how personal drive and learning from failure have fueled both his career and the athletes he coaches.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a coach searching for inspiration, or someone fascinated by the human side of high performance, this episode delivers candid stories, practical takeaways, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from decades at the top of the sport. -
Zach Nehr dives deep into the world of cycling esports, unpacking its rapid evolution and what it takes to train and coach athletes for peak performance—indoors and out.
Matti and Zach explore Zach’s background of collegiate racing and coaching to the professional road scene, and how the pandemic unexpectedly propelled him into the universe of indoor racing.
What sets Zach apart is his insistence on meeting each athlete where they are, adapting plans around individual needs, training environments, and even race start times that can hit at 2 AM thanks to global competition. He highlights the critical importance of communication, balancing intensity, and keeping a sharp eye on mental as well as physical fatigue—especially for those riding the line between indoor and outdoor racing.
Whether you want to refresh your coaching toolkit, re-energize your winter training, or just geek out on how racing is changing, this episode is your ticket into the fast-paced universe of cycling esports. There’s something here for every coach and athlete ready to embrace structured training in a virtual space—no matter where you start. -
Erin Carsonâ explains the role of strength training in optimizing endurance performance, enhancing mobility, and supporting long-term athletic health for all athletes.
Dirk and Erin explain why â strength trainingâ isn't just for bodybuilders or football players. It's a critical component for athletes seeking longevity, durability, and peak performance in endurance sports. Erin shares real-life examples of even elite athletes, like Taylor Knibb, Sepp Kuss, and Courtney Dauwalter, who've started incorporating strength into their training. Get ready for practical insights on how Erin structures strength programs for world-class athletes, why balancing strength with endurance matters, and how mobility and movement quality can be the secret sauce to keeping you on your feet (and on your bike) for the long haul.
Whether you’re an age-group triathlete, a mountain-loving runner, or just want to ride your bike pain-free into your fifties and beyond, this conversation has real actionable advice. Erin’s approachable wisdom and evidence-based strategies will inspire you to rethink the role of strength in your own training—no matter where you are on your athletic journey. -
Take a deep dive into the evolving tactics of gravel racing, where confidence, preparation, and expert coaching drive athletes to new heights.
Professional cyclist, Melisa Rollins, and her coach, Isaiah Newkirk, join host Matti Rowe, Education Specialist, for a look behind the scenes of training and racing tactics in professional gravel and mountain bike racing.
Melisa, fresh off of a win at Steamboat Gravel and breaking the record at Leadville 100, is redefining how races are won—not just by crossing the finish line first, but by making bold moves and having the confidence to see them through. When she returned to Leadville this year, Melisa brought a new perspective: instead of focusing solely on defending her title, she recognized the unpredictable nature of competition and embraced the value of small victories along the way. Her success comes from strategic planning, adaptability, and a fearless approach to each race, proving that winning can mean much more than a podium finish.
Isaiah, founder of TrainingEdge Coaching and performance director for Project Echelon, along with Melisa's coach, dives into the meticulous planning efforts and bold tactical moves—and how Melissa and Isaiah approach everything from training adaptations at altitude to the psychological ups and downs of top-level racing.
Key takeaways: If you’ve ever wrestled with motivation after a big win or doubted yourself mid-training session, Melissa’s honest account of post-victory blues and curbside tears offers a refreshingly real perspective. With insights into altitude training, mental resilience, and the power of immediate coach-athlete feedback, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. Whether you’re preparing for your own Leadville-level challenge or just looking for inspiration to take your training up a notch, Melissa and Isaiah’s story will remind you: success comes from knowing your strengths, planning with purpose, and learning to thrive both in data and what's out of your control.
03:14 Parental Influence and Sport Choices
11:53 Building Confidence Through Specific Workouts
13:58 Racing Strategy & Mental Toughness
17:51 Evolving Race Tactics in Women’s Cycling
19:48 Optimizing Athletic Power Curve
25:15 Remote Coaching's Unique Connection
26:01 Coaching: Beyond Data, Emotional Support
29:20 Leadville Race Experience Insights
36:37 Redefining Winning Beyond Titles
43:36 Altitude Data Boosted Race Performance - Se mer
