Base Building for Cyclists: A New Foundation for Endurance and Performance

A cyclist needs to have a strong foundation and a high fitness ceiling before the season even starts. Fundamentals like strength training and skill development take a backseat once race preparation begins in earnest. This is just one of the reasons why Thomas Chapple argues that the success of the upcoming season depends on the extent to which you can build your foundation of aerobic fitness, or your "base," ' for the road ahead.

Whatever your goals as a cyclist, early season training s…