How Long Should A Taper Be Cycling?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The studies show that, on average,

two weeks

seems to be about the optimum length for a taper, but it depends on the length of the training block preceding it. If you’ve been training hard for six months prior to the race then a three-week taper is likely to be more effective.

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When should I taper for cycling event?

Reducing volume can start

as early as three to four weeks from the race and, at the latest, two weeks from race day

. Elites who can recover quickly from higher volumes of training, for example, may wait until two weeks out to taper to maximize training time.

How do you taper effectively?

Tapering properly means

cutting your weekly mileage volume by 20 to 30 percent each week from your highest volume week, for three weeks

. For example, if your highest mileage week was 40 miles, you would cut your mileage by 8 to 12 miles. For example, Week 1 of your taper would then be 28 to 32 miles.

How do you peak on a bike?

Simply put, a peak is achieved

when you overreach, or drive up your CTL with hard workouts over a period of time, and then rest and recover from that training

, so that your body adapts and comes back stronger.

How do you wean yourself off training?

  1. Begin your taper one week prior to race-day.
  2. After your hard training day, plan an easy day.
  3. Decrease your training volume (mileage) by 50%.
  4. Decrease your frequency of training (number of workout sessions) by 20% or take an extra day off.

What should I do the day before a long bike ride?

One of the best ways to assure your body is fueled for a long-distance bike ride is to

eat a carb-dense meal the night before

. For cycling sessions shorter than 1.5 hours, it’s recommended to eat 7 to 12 grams of carbs for every kilogram of body mass 24 hours before cycling.

How do you train for a cycle race?

  1. Train for Cardiovascular Endurance. Ascent Xmedia/Stone/Getty Images. …
  2. Build Power for Sprints. Steve Bonini / Getty Images. …
  3. Eat the Right Food at the Right Time. …
  4. Make Sure Your Bike Fits You. …
  5. Don’t Forget to Stretch. …
  6. Improve Your Bike Handling Skills. …
  7. Don’t Go It Alone. …
  8. Get Some Rest.

Should I ride the day before a bike race?

Last, and by no means least, a pre-race ride gives you a chance to make sure your bike is working correctly, and time to fix it if it isn’t, allowing you to rule out any T1 mechanical panics. Quick tip: Apart from a few, short race-pace efforts, stay in the small chainring and focus on easy spinning.

How do I get to Supercompensation?

Most research has told us that

after a strength/resistance training workout 40-72 hours

is the window in which to achieve greatest supercompensation. This window will differ from person to person and will also depend on the intensity of the workout.

Should you ride the day before a century?


Riding the day before the century is not necessary for either of these items from a physiological standpoint

. If anything, the ride the day before will tap into muscle and liver glycogen that could be used during the century. Rest is the best prescription.

How do you taper for a 100 mile bike ride?


A two-week taper is most appropriate before a century ride

. In the first week of your taper, cut your training volume by 40 percent. So, if you rode 200 miles in your final week of hard training, you would ride about 120 miles the next week. Cut back evenly on all your workouts.

Is a 4 week taper too long?

Research has shown that

4-weeks may be too long of a marathon taper for many runners

. Runners who taper too long lose the muscle tension or “pop” in their legs and end up feeling stale on race day.

How do you taper for 50k?

  1. Reduce overall volume (shorten runs first, then reduce frequency)
  2. Reduce amount of intensity (minutes or number of interval)
  3. Maintain intensity level (go hard, just not as long)
  4. Maintain specificity (you’re still preparing for a running race…)

What does tapering involve?

Tapering is

the reduction of the rate at which a central bank accumulates new assets on its balance sheet under a policy of QE

. Tapering is the first step in the process of either winding down—or completely withdrawing from—a monetary stimulus program that has already been executed.

How long does it take to peak in cycling?

“Peak form is

usually in the late 20s and early 30s

,” says former commonwealth games medallist and coach, Julia Shaw. This is inline with the current average Tour de France winner, aged 28.5.

Do cyclists taper?

Tapering for cyclists can take many forms, but in general,

tapering takes place over two weeks via a reduction in training time

. During the taper, the intensity of your training will remain high, but you will spend less time on the bike.

What should I do the week before a big ride?


Begin increasing your salt intake

— you’re getting ready to do a lot of sweating — and drinking more fluids. Start cutting back on protein and eating more carbohydrates. Lastly, get a good night’s sleep. This night will be even more important than the night before your ride.

Does tapering actually work?

In fact, studies suggest that

if you do it right, tapering can provide an average 3 percent performance boost

. Over the course of 26.2 miles, that adds up—taking nearly 10 minutes off your finishing time, if you’re running a four- to five-hour marathon.

When should you taper?

A taper should

start the day, or the following week after your last longest run

. Typically that run will be in the 20- to 23-mile range. Whenever you do start cutting back, you should look to reduce your long run into the low teens.

Is taper necessary?


Tapering is one of the most important parts of any marathon training plan

, but in many cases, it’s also one of the hardest to implement. Runners tend to fear cutting back on training, since they believe too much rest will undo all their training right before their big race.

What is a good distance to cycle daily?

Recommended Minimum Daily Allowance –

15 km

At a moderate rate of exertion, 30 minutes of cycling at a rate conducive to maintaining health equates to covering about 15 km at an average speed of about 30 km/h. 15 km per day equates to about 100 km per week or about 5500 km a year.

What should I eat for long distance cycling?

Snacking throughout the day with foods like

Greek yogurt, energy bars, fruits, and vegetables

are all fine. Eat something small and full of complex carbs 30 to 60 minutes before training. Eat a large protein and carb-rich meal and an L-glutamine (amino acid) supplement within 90 minutes after training.

What should I eat after a long distance bike ride?

Suitable foods include banana, jam or other low-fat sandwiches, cereal bars, flapjack, malt loaf, scones, bagels, low-fat cake bars, low-fat biscuits, Snack-a-Jacks, currant buns and teacakes. Milkshakes can also be useful if you find it difficult to eat on the bike.

How do I train for a 100 km bike ride?


Train 3-4 times a week, either by bike or another type of sports

. At a minimum you should ride 3 times per week. To start with go on easy ride of approximately 1 to 2 hours each time. If you are just beginning go twice a week for 30 to 60 mins and build from there.

How do I increase my cycling distance?
  1. Think about your fuel. To really have good endurance you need to make the most of your internal reserves. …
  2. Increase your carbohydrate intake. …
  3. Eat an early pre-ride breakfast. …
  4. Stay topped up throughout your ride. …
  5. Train your body for endurance.

How do you train for long distance cycling?

  1. Keep Fit Year-Round.
  2. Got an Old Phone Book? …
  3. 20 Minutes, 4 Days a Week.
  4. Yoga as Part of Any Training Plan.
  5. Start with a Base and Ride Yourself into Shape.
  6. Start with a Base and Build Towards Specificity.
  7. It’s Never too Soon to Start, but Don’t Overtrain.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.