AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... PEAKING

We ask a scientist how to hit your peak bang on time

- Rob Kemp

What is peaking as a feature of cycling?

Peaking in cycling refers to the strategic process of aligning an athlete's physical and mental state to achieve optimal fitness performance at a specific event. This involves a structured training regimen leading up to the tapering period, where training load is reduced to allow full recovery of training-induced fatigue, fitness optimisation and peak performance.

When do we peak and how do we achieve it?

The research suggests that cyclists should engage in their hardest training during the three to five weeks preceding the taper leading up to the target event, then gradually decreasing the training load to avoid burnout. The final phase, tapering, typically starts one to three weeks prior, focusing on rest and recovery, which ensures the rider is fully refreshed and primed when they get to competition day.

What determines the best peaking strategy for a rider?

Some coaches adjust training, tapering and peaking based on a race's distance or duration, but studies suggest individual recovery and adaptation profiles are more important.