Training Technology & Self-Coaching for Cyclists - Getting Started with TrainingPeaks

If you’d like to coach yourself, TrainingPeaks is a great (and free) resource for planning, scheduling, and reviewing your training and race efforts.
Available on both web and mobile, it helps you design structured workouts, track your progress, and make sure you arrive at race day in top form. The platform presents all your data clearly and intuitively, helping you learn from every ride and build confidence in your training.

Working with a Coach

If you decide to work with a professional cycling coach, they’ll often use the premium version of TrainingPeaks.
You’ll need a heart-rate monitor, power cranks or pedals, and a compatible cycling computer. While the setup can be pricey at first, it’s a great investment — one that can really accelerate your development as a racing cyclist.

Learning from the Pros

Watch elite riders finishing a World Cup Cyclo-cross or World Tour race and you’ll see them press the “session finish”button as soon as they cross the line. Their ride data is uploaded instantly for post-race analysis — something you can do too, even at club level!

Understanding Your FTP

Knowing your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is key to structured training. FTP defines the effort you can sustain for about an hour, and it forms the basis for most power-based training plans.
(Track riders: note that computers with visible screens aren’t allowed during racing — and the track is usually too busy to be checking numbers anyway!)

Not sure how to find your FTP? Ask “Coach Google” or a club member who time trials with a power meter. Using FTP for pacing and time trialling has become a real art form — it’s one of the best ways to manage your effort and ride efficiently.

Monitoring Recovery with HRV

As a self-coached rider, it’s useful to monitor your Heart Rate Variability (HRV). This simple metric helps you understand how well you’ve recovered and whether you’re ready for another hard session.
Try HRV4Training to get started. You can also measure your morning pulse with a smartphone camera or a Bluetooth heart-rate strap.

For more information, check out this article:
👉 How to Handle an Unexpected ithlete HRV Reading

Ride Smart, Ride Strong

If you watch World Tour riders during climbs or attacks, you’ll often see them keeping an eye on their heart-rate and power zones. This helps them maintain the right intensity and reach the finish line with a perfectly judged effort.
The same applies to all of us — club and Wheelers racers alike. Training within your sustainable heart-rate zone will make you stronger, more consistent, and more confident on the bike.

Keep Learning

There’s a huge amount of great reading out there on training and performance. The more you learn, the better you’ll ride.
After all, knowledge is power — and so are watts! You don’t know what you don’t know… but it’s great fun finding out.