Top 5 ways to train like a Tour rider
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Every professional cyclist has a must-have kit list that lets them get the best from their bodies. These are the five crucial training secrets that help the pros rack up the stage wins, before, during and after racing.
1. Morgan Blue Chamois Cream Solid
Review
Three weeks in the saddle with just a couple of rest days off is bound to have a profoundly unpleasant effect on any rider’s undercarriage. So just how do the pros manage it? Chamois cream, that’s how.
This soothing balm by Morgan Blue comes in a solid block so it’s less messy and easier to use. A blend of moisturising oils and St John’s Wort will keep your nether regions friction free and happy.
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| Price | £10.48 |
| Best for | Saddle-sore losers |
2. SiS Go Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml Tube - 60ml x Box of 30
Top Bargain
Review
With those Tour de France riders burning in excess 6,000 or so calories a day, taking in energy through food alone isn’t really an option. Energy gels are an important source of fuel for pro riders, including team Katusha who are sponsored by Science in Sport. You might not quite reach that 6,000cal deficit yourself, but if you’re doing longer rides you’ll still really benefit from an energy gel boost.
These isotonic gels won’t interfere with hydration and have a decent flavour choice. Perfect for making it up the next energy-sapping Alp d’Huez sized climb.
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| Price | £0.00 |
| Price | £37.09 |
| Servings | 30 |
| Flavours | Lemon/lime, apple, blackcurrant, orange, tropical |
| Type | Energy gel |
| Contains caffeine? | No |
| Contains electrolytes? | Yes |
| Best for... | Sportives |
3. Garmin Edge 500 GPS-Enabled Cycle Computer With Cadence Sensor and Heart Rate Monitor - Red
Invest in the Best
Review
The Garmin Edge 500 with cadence and heart rate sensors was actually developed with input from the Garmin-Cervelo pro team, but the rank amateur can gain plenty from crunching their own numbers too. This cost effective little unit is a great value way to get some data to make you train smart.
The Edge 500 has all the standard computer functions too and looks smart on your bars. Use its data gathering correctly and it should have your heart beating to the right rhythm and your legs spinning to win.
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| Price | £199.99 |
| Best for | Mid-stage feedback |
4. Elite Qubo Power Fluid Turbo Trainer ElastoGel
Review
As long as they don’t pull the privacy screens out the team bus, you often catch a glimpse of the Tour riders on their turbos before the stage start. Portable models like this flat-folding Elite Power Fluid Trainer are perfect for packing and bringing to your next race to warm up and down on. Or for us mere mortals, they’re a good way to get a training session in while watching telly when it’s raining.
The fluid in this turbo gives a smooth resistance curve for a realistic feel. It adjusts automatically so there’s no calibration needed either.
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| Price | £299.99 |
| Best for | Pre-stage warm up |
5. PowerTap G3 Alloy Clincher Wheelset
High tech
Review
It’s a frequent criticism of pro racing these days that riders at the Tour and other races rely too much on numbers barked at them through earpieces from the team car. Nevertheless, training with power is here to stay and can really give you an insight into improving your performance.
This ready built wheelset with a PowerTap power meter built into the rear hub is one of the most cost effective ways to get all the ride data you can eat. Now you just need your own directeur sportif to interpret it for you.
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| Price | £799.00 |
| Best for | Pre-Tour training |