I grew up in south Florida, lived in Belgium, and raced in the Netherlands. I learned a thing or two about cycling in wind, so it pains me to see cyclists make mistakes because they don’t understand the dynamics of cycling on a windy day. Sometimes it’s just because they haven’t mastered cycling skills or …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS If I were to summarize recent articles, conversations, and podcasts that have caught my attention it would be to say, “Keep it simple, stupid.” I think there is a natural draw to make things more complicated or to place greater value on products or methods …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS I started noticing it about halfway down the Col de la Madeleine. In the group I was with, riders started shaking out their hands on the straightaways between switchbacks. Even with disk brakes, the effort of gripping the bars and using the brakes for such a …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS Not one of the athletes I coach works a standard 5-day-a-week, 9-5 job. I’m not sure how many people do anymore, and by the time all three of my children have careers I’m nearly certain no one will. With so much variation in people’s professional …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS If there was ever an actual secret to turning highly-talented athletes into champions it is simply this: Toughen them up. Whether you’re trying to win the Paris-Roubaix, get through a 200-mile gravel race, or hang with the fast group ride, it’s going to take more than …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS The difference between fueling performance with carbohydrate and consuming too much added sugar is one of the more confusing aspects of nutrition for athletes. Too much added sugar in your diet can be harmful to your health, but consuming carbohydrate – including simple sugar – can …
Coaching company to work with inaugural 4-day MTB stage race in Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, January 14, 2020) – CTS today joined Sports Strategies to announce a partnership between the industry-leading coaching company and the inaugural Pikes Peak APEX, presented by Rockshox, a 4-day mountain bike race to be held in Colorado Springs on September …
By Nina Laughlin, CTS Expert Coach, 2019 Land Run 100 Champion & 5th place SBT GRVL There are 2 types of cyclists in the world: those who become giddy at the sight of a “Pavement Ends” sign, and those who curse and turn around. Whichever you camp you fall into now, I believe gravel riding …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS Most people who read my blog posts are year-round athletes, meaning the New Year probably is less of a cold start and more of a recommitment to training after a few months of intermittent exercise, indulgent eating, and a bit too much wine (or whiskey). To …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS In my view, reflecting on the accomplishments and challenges of the previous 12 months is one of the best things you can do as the year draws to a close. It’s not just a matter of scrolling through your own personal highlight reel; it is …