Shifting Gears: How Mental Performance Training Prepares Cyclists

This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to work with a fantastic group of Canadian cyclists as they gear up for the National Championships. From Global Relay Bridge the Gap athletes to independent racers, the energy and dedication were palpable.

The sessions took on a unique format, with a mix of group workshops and individual consultations. One particularly memorable group session even had entire teams joining on a single computer, mechanics diligently building bikes in the background! Talk about multitasking – it was a great exercise for my own focus to stay present and deliver a workshop that benefited everyone on the call.

The athletes themselves were at various stages in their Nationals preparation. Some were laser-focused on the Time Trial, others visualized themselves conquering the Road Race, and a few were strategizing to excel in all three championship races. We delved deep, identifying the most challenging aspects of the race for each individual. For some, it was the initial surge at the start line. Others worried about potential mechanical issues or unexpected disruptions. Many athletes who arrived feeling stressed and lacking a clear plan others had a plan but their stress was getting the better of them.

By the end of the sessions, the shift was clear. The majority of participants walked away with a newfound sense of confidence. They felt less burdened by stress and had a deeper understanding of how mental performance can elevate their physical capabilities. We explored visualization techniques to prepare for the race, crafted actionable plans with bite-sized goals to celebrate along the way, and even developed personal mantras to summon during moments of difficulty.

It’s incredibly rewarding to witness this mental transformation in athletes. They’ve invested countless hours in physical and technical training, and sometimes, all it takes is a little mental edge to push them to the next level. The National Championships are on the horizon, and these cyclists are ready to not just compete, but to dominate, with their brains just as prepared as their bodies.