The early sessions were implemented with a single objective in mind: to help those riders over the age of 12+ wanting to improve their stamina, endurance and overall cycling fitness and performance. You don’t have to be a racer to take part, nor do you have to be a “roadie” – in fact, some of the riders who participate don’t actually race but do it to keep fit and get strong, whilst others are mountain bikers who do it because it helps with speed training and endurance!
We want to see more and more of you coming to these sessions – you asked for it in the survey last year, and now that it’s getting warmer there is no excuse to not enjoy a bright and crispy early Spring Saturday morning working out! The sessions are tailored to allow something for everyone, no matter what your skill – if you are over 12 want to get better and fitter, then we want to see you on Saturday. The aim is to improve everyone, not just the racing community!
But don’t take our word for it…
Sophie in action off a bike!
Sophie Peters, tri-athlete and a regular to the early sessions, tells us a bit about her experience from “earlies” novice to regular and now TT star!
“I have been attending Slipstreamers’ early morning sessions for quite a while, and I can already see the progress that I am making. When I first started these sessions, I assumed that they were for the really advanced cyclists and that it would be way too hard for me, but after a couple of weeks I realised that it was not that bad, despite having to wake up very early!!
Not only do these sessions push me, but they also helped me gain my confidence after I fell off my bike and had to go to hospital. The coaches are really supportive and always get you to try and do your best. For example, I managed to knock 5 minutes off in my individual TT in a Team TT, thanks to the amazing coaches and fellow cyclists. Early morning sessions are a really fun way to practise skills that you can’t do in the main sessions. During the last couple of weeks, we practised slaloming between cones, sprints and break aways.
I would like to encourage anyone who does not do the early morning sessions to try because they are an amazing experience.”
Convinced? If Sophie has managed to persuade you to give it a go, remember a few things before you come along…
- Sign-on is from 8am – 8.25am. You only sign on once for the full session.
- Be warmed up and ready to go BEFORE 8:30 using rollers, turbo or in small groups on the circuit (but only if allowed by coaching staff)
- Bring spare clothing, food and drink – you will get a good workout, you will build up an appetite, and you will need hydration! Make sure you are dressed appropriately.
- You will join the main group after a recovery break around 9.45/ 10am.
Do be sure to visit the Rider Resources section of the website for helpful tips and useful guidance before you set out with your bicycle!