Training Tips
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Your Guide to Preparing for the Mallorca 312 & Marmotte Granfondo Alps Sportives
You’ve booked the big sportive and you’re eager to prepare and develop the right condition to complete it. That’s great but how is that accomplished? This guide will provide guidance on how to comple ...
Wednesday, 25 January 2023Read more... -
The Right Food for the Right Ride – Determine Your Cycling Nutrition
The chances are you know that cycling nutrition is vital to putting in good cycling performances. What you eat on and off the bike is important and plays an important role in how far you can ride, ho ...
Monday, 02 January 2023Read more... -
17 Tips for a Stellar New Year of Road Cycling
We all know that New Year’s resolutions don’t tend to stick. You make the promise to do this and do that, and a few weeks in they start to slide. It’s just how it is. At SportActive, we have your bac ...
Thursday, 29 December 2022Read more... -
Cycling in Winter can be fun! Tips for Better Performance in the Cold
Winter is not a great time for cyclists. The daylight hours shorten, the weather gets colder, wetter, foggier, and icier, and as such maintaining fitness and keeping your cycling skills on point beco ...
Wednesday, 28 December 2022Read more... -
How Accurate is Your Calorie Burn Device?
Thanks to the rise of electronic devices we have a plethora of ways of measuring calorie burn when on two wheels. The more sophisticated devices can measure distance and show GPS information as well ...
Wednesday, 07 September 2022Read more... -
Training Tips for Every Kind of Cycling
Whether you crave the feeling of getting to the summit of the highest cols, riding faster on the flat, cyclosportives, or simply enjoy cycling for the beauty of it, we have a training tip for you. In ...
Tuesday, 05 April 2022Read more... -
Discover Mallorca’s Epic Road Cycling Climb Sa Calobra
Sa Calobra is arguably Mallorca’s most iconic climb. Made famous by Bradley Wiggins who trained hard on it prior to his 2012 Olympic and Tour de France success, the mountain has been like a Mecca for ...
Saturday, 12 March 2022Read more... -
Am I Good Enough to Ride Marmotte Granfondo Alps?
Marmotte Granfondo Alps is a gruelling one day sportive set in the beautiful and awe inspiring French Alps. Like all great cycling challenges, Marmotte Alps is hard to complete. It is not impossible, ...
Saturday, 12 March 2022Read more... -
9 Achievable New Year’s Cycling Resolutions
Now you’ve had your turkey and celebrated the new year, now is the time to get organised and back on the bike. We have all made resolutions but sticking to them can sometimes be difficult. In cycling ...
Wednesday, 12 January 2022Read more... -
Sean Kelly - 'Mont Ventoux Should be on your Cycling Bucket List'
Mont Ventoux is one of the most legendary mountains in cycling. Technically, it is part of the French Alps but the great monolith stands alone towering over the French region of Provence. It has seen ...
Friday, 03 December 2021Read more... -
7 Breaches of Cycling Etiquette Never to do!
There is an unspoken etiquette in cycling circles that can get you a bad reputation should you breach it. From wearing earbuds to half wheeling, the following should be avoided at all costs. Blocking ...
Thursday, 25 November 2021Read more... -
7 Tips for Riding Your First Sportive and Loving it!
Sportive and cycling events are wonderful. You get the atmosphere that only the larger organised cycling events can bring, together with challenge and achievement. They are a good way to chart progre ...
Wednesday, 25 May 2022Read more... -
10 Tips to Climb Stronger and Faster
In cycling circles being able to climb fast is revered. We’ve seen some great cycling battles fought on legendary climbs such as Mont Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez. Being able to climb is seen as a sign of ...
Wednesday, 08 September 2021Read more... -
7 Tips for Finding Great Local Cycle Training Routes
Finding new and exciting places to ride keeps life interesting. Training remains fresh and gives you new places to explore. New routes offer the chance to ride a previously unknown pleasant stretch o ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Free Guide: How to Become an Expert Road Cyclist!
Simply complete the fields to download your free cycle guide. Enjoy your cycling! Your data and privacy are protected and never shared with third parties SportActive - Faster, Fitter, Stronger
Friday, 02 December 2022Read more... -
Top Tips for First-Time Triathletes
For those looking for the physical challenge of a lifetime, a triathlon is the perfect endurance race that encompasses the three main disciplines of running, cycling, and swimming. In recent years, m ...
Monday, 10 May 2021Read more... -
The Quick and Easy Guide to Cycling During Lockdown
The idea of this guide is to help you maximise your cycling time, maintain your condition, and to continue to get enjoyment from cycling. With tighter restrictions in place in the UK and Ireland and ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
6 Common Cycling Mistakes to Avoid
When first starting in cycling, it is easy to make mistakes. If left unchecked, these mistakes can become habits affecting your performances and enjoyment of the sport. So, with this in mind, let’s t ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Cycle Training Zones Explained
Pro cyclists know exactly what their heart rate and functional threshold power (FTP) is. They use the numbers to guide their training by splitting their training rides into zones. Zone 1 is a very ca ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
How did Peter Sagan Prepare for his Paris – Roubaix Victory?
Peter Sagan picked up his first Paris-Roubaix victory on Sunday the 1st April 2018. The cycling superstar has over 100 professional victories to his name and he has won three consecutive world champi ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Tips to Make Turbo Training More Fun
Turbo training although effective isn’t the most interesting way to train. Lack of scenery and indeed lack of a breeze combine to make turbo training a mental challenge. Also, as there is no descendi ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Adopt a Pro Cycling Style Through Early Season Training
Every season Team Sky and other pro peloton cycling teams train in Mallorca. They can be seen riding mile after mile in the early winter months, getting ready for the next season and its challenges. ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Yes! You are good enough for a Beginner Cycling Holiday!
You are good enough. Ride with us. Come and see... If you feel you are not good enough to enjoy a cycling holiday think again. Providing you can ride a bike you will be fine. Every year we help begin ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Discover Mallorca’s Amazing Tramuntana Mountains
Serra de Tramuntana Running form northwest to the southwest of the island, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is a UNESCO world heritage site. It spans 30% of the island and is about 90 kms long. ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
It’s not too late to Train for our French Cycling Challenges!
Top Training Tips to take on the cols of the Tour de France! Our French Cycling Challenges will test your limits! If you’re wondering if you have the time to train for our French cycling challenges t ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
7 Facts about Col de la Bonette
Col de la Bonette is a Tour de France mountain. It boasts the highest paved road in Europe thanks to the doughnut loop named, Cime de la Bonette which elevates the altitude of this beast to 2802 metr ...
Saturday, 03 July 2021Read more... -
Experience True Freedom: Ride La Route des Grandes Alpes
Riding “La Route des Grandes Alpes” or Geneva to Nice is one of cycling’s greatest adventures, and it is one ride you must make before you die. Over six days you will ride eleven alpine passes, cover ...
Saturday, 03 July 2021Read more... -
Essential Equipment to take on a Long Ride
Although we all love to cycle train, building our miles and improving, things can and do go wrong. Punctures, chain issues, the weather can all hamper our training efforts on a long ride. So what sho ...
Wednesday, 04 July 2018Read more... -
Master your Gears to Ride Further and Faster
Good gear use is essential for better bike riding performance. If you can get your gear use right you will find climbing much easier, maintain a good speed, and ride further and faster with less effo ...
Wednesday, 30 June 2021Read more... -
Coming Back to Cycling after a Long Break
If you haven't ridden for a number of years, getting back on a bike may seem a bit daunting. You may have been putting it off, planning to ‘do it tomorrow’, and never actually quite getting around to ...
Wednesday, 30 June 2021Read more... -
Want to Stay Healthy as you get Older? Start Cycling
Enjoy a Cycling Holiday on the Cycling Paradise of Mallorca There has been a lot written about the health benefits of cycling. Studies have found that it is good for your heart, lungs, muscles, and m ...
Wednesday, 30 June 2021Read more... -
How to Conquer Legendary Cycling Cols
If you’re planning to ride the cols of cycling legend, and you don’t live in the French Alps, it is fair to say that you’re in for a whole new cycling experience. Riding kilometre after kilometre at ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
The Cols of Marmotte Granfondo Alps
Ride Marmotte Granfondo Alps Marmotte Alps is the toughest Alpine sportive in Europe, and every year our heroic SportActive riders take on the challenge and conquer four Tour de France cols in one da ...
Friday, 12 April 2019Read more... -
Sean Kelly’s Tips and Advice for Better Peloton Riding
Ride in a Group and Cycle Further and Faster for Less Effort! Peloton riding is used both as a training aid and a tactical instrument in professional road cycling. The idea is that by riding in a gro ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
Essential Pre-Ride Checks
Before you take your bike for a spin you should check that it is in working order. Discovering there is a problem a few miles from home is problematic to say the least. Discovering there is a problem ...
Tuesday, 09 January 2018Read more... -
Tips to Maintain Fitness in the Winter Months
With the onset of winter and the cold months, it is easy to leave the bike in the garage and decamp to the sofa. Although you will be warm, without regular exercise your fitness will suffer considera ...
Wednesday, 24 March 2021Read more... -
Cycling Advice from Cycling Greats
In this post we feature cycling advice given by professionals of the sport past and present. The tips range from consistency, gear use, recording performance, hill climbing, maintaining performance, ...
Wednesday, 16 June 2021Read more... -
Tips to Ride the Mallorca 312 and other Sportives
With famous sportives such as the Mallorca 312 approaching fast, we thought it would be a good idea to give you some tips to riding a better sportive. Sportives offer diverse challenges, therefore it ...
Wednesday, 30 June 2021Read more... -
Tips for Better Peloton Riding
With sportive season well underway and big ones such as the Mallorca 312 and Marmotte on the horizon, knowing how to ride in a peloton or as part of a large group of riders is essential. This post of ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
Riding Safer While Cycle Training
With the departure of winter and the arrival of summer you are probably out on the road training hard. The sound of the chain, the air on your face, and the feeling of freedom is what we cyclists liv ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
A Word of Caution When Riding Fast
Over the last week we have been discussing cycling at speed. From fast downhill descents on Mont Ventoux, to riding fast generally, we have provided tips and tricks to make riding fast more effective ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Tips for those Long Descents!
When you cycle you always think about the challenges of cycling uphill. Climbing is a big part of the sport and it is only natural that you want to be able to test your limits on legends such as Mont ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Tips for Buying a New Road Bike
When it is time to buy a new bike there are a few factors to take into account. The wrong choice of bike will impede your performance and increase your risk of injury. If the bike is really unsuitabl ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Five Tips to Increase your Cycling Speed
The idea behind this blog is to give you some thought provoking tips to help you increase your cycling speed. Something we would all like to do. Although a general guide, hopefully, at least one or t ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
How to Reduce the Risk of Punctures
Solve your Repeated Puncture Issues Punctures are the bane of every cyclist and are caused in one of three ways: Sharp objects piercing the tyre and tube from the outside, the wheel rim piercing the ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Discover Sean Kelly’s Essential Advice for Sportive Training
Improve your Sportive Performance Cycle sportives are hugely popular across Europe. They provide an opportunity for you to achieve a new goal, take on a fresh cycling challenge, and test your limits. ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
Lance Armstrong vs. Marco Pantani – A Legendary Ventoux Race
In 2000, one of the most memorable Tour de France stage races took place on Mont Ventoux. The cruel mountain saw Marco Pantani and Lance Armstrong battle it out for the stage win. The battle between ...
Tuesday, 01 February 2022Read more... -
What does it take to Ride the Beast called Mont Ventoux?
"I fought battles here in a past life." Dai Parry, (Cwn Carn Paragon Cycling Club, S. Wales) 2km below Chalet Reynard. Do you have the spirit to conquer The Giant of Provence? In our last blogs we ta ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
Mont Ventoux – The Challenge the Battle
"The Ventoux is a god of Evil, to which sacrifices must be made. It never forgives weakness and extracts an unfair tribute of suffering." Roland Barthes, French philosopher and bicycle racing fan. Mo ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
The Riders Mont Ventoux Immortalised
As we saw in our last Ventoux post from 29/1/2016, this is the mountain that defines you as a rider. Micro-climates, cross winds, psychologically draining landscapes, intense gradients, unpredictable ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
The Cycling Techniques that SportActive’s Mallorca Training Camp Improves
At SportActive we continually strive to make you a better cyclist. To do this, our head coach Martin and his team, together with cycling legend Sean Kelly, have put together a comprehensive cycling p ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
5 Ways to Prepare for the New Cycling Season
The Advantages of Early Season Training With the long winter months and events such as Christmas on the horizon, you can be forgiven for not getting on the saddle and getting out there. The nights ar ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
Top Tips for Packing your Bike for a Flight
There can be no question that cycling in Mallorca or in the French Alps is a fantastic experience and should be enjoyed by everyone who enjoys cycling. The only issue is when we have to take our bike ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
6 Rules of Road Cycling you should always obey
Riding on the road brings with it its fair share of issues. Despite European wide improvements to the cycle lane infrastructure, riding on the roads poses risks. Here are six rules of cycling on the ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
Use Winter Tyres to Keep Riding in the Cold Months
Although the cold months are upon us, there is no reason for you to stop your cycling. Providing you have the right equipment and a sensible attitude, you can still get the miles under your belt desp ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
How we Look after you in a Sportive
Riding in a sportive gives you the chance to test your limits and appreciate the amazing and wonderful atmosphere of riding with hundreds, sometimes thousands of riders. Their popularity is increasin ...
Tuesday, 29 June 2021Read more... -
Essential Preparation for Every Sportive you Ride
Determine the Best Training Schedule for you Discover what Food Combinations work best for you During a Ride Study the Profile of the Sportive before you Ride it Make Sure you Prepare Well before you ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
How to Ride the Right Pace in a Sportive
Secure your Best Time Riding well in a sportive is not just about the training before hand, but about pacing yourself throughout the event. This is not just about sticking to the right speed, but bur ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
6 Aspects to Keep you Safe When Cycling.
6 Aspects to Keep you Safe When Cycling. Wear the Protective Gear - no exceptions Ensure your Bike is Sound before you Ride Make Eye Contact with Car Drivers Cycling on the Road Road cycling is fanta ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Seven Good Reasons to Start Road Cycling...
...as well as Saving the Planet. If you are yet to climb back on the saddle and start cycling, here are good reasons to do so. There are few negative points about cycling, and lots and lots of good o ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Improve your Core Strength for Better Cycling
A cyclist's core strength is very important. It can prevent pain and injury, as well as providing a cyclist with a solid muscular base for sprinting, hill climbing, and distance cycling. If you spend ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
The Warning Signs that you're Cycling in a Bad Position
Are you Saddle Sore? Do you have Back Pain? Do you have Pain in your Knees? You could be Increasing the Risk of Injury If you're spending a long time on two wheels and feel unexpected aches and pains ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Slow Energy Foods Which Should be Part of your Training Diet
Get the most of your Cycling Training Slow energy foods are excellent for your training programme as they provide energy over the long term. This list of four of the best foods are fairly easy to tra ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Eat the right Foods for Better Cycling Performance
Like all exercise and sport, eating the right food is essential for performance. Even if you are only riding your bike to and from work, you will still be burning energy. A good diet will compliment ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Lose Weight by Cycling
Lose Weight by Cycling Cycle your way to Health Cycling is not only one of the fastest growing sports on the planet it is also offers a good way of losing weight. Swapping your car for two wheels is ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Electronic Gear Shifting
The electronic gear shifts are now fitted to many bikes which are available to hire. To some the idea of an electronically controlled gear shifting seems a bit over the top and superfluous. This coul ...
Wednesday, 16 June 2021Read more... -
Keep your Bike in Tip-top Condition in the cold Winter Months
Keep your Bike in Tip-top Condition in the cold Winter Months With winter well and truly here it is important that you keep your bike well maintained. Salt, grit, moisture, and petrol residue will al ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Yoga for Cyclists – reaching new levels of strength and awareness
By Sarah W. Staber Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior or a recreational cyclist you know you should be stretching but chances are you don’t. Or, if you do, then not enough. On th ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Why cycle training should include etiquette
Everyone is aware of the tension that exists between cyclists and drivers, and high profile cases such as Bradley Wiggins breaking his ribs after being knocked off his bike have done little to subdue ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
What are the benefits of a cycling break?
Improve your health and fitness Whether or not you are looking to get involved in serious training and amateur racing further down the line, a cycling break is a great way to improve your overall hea ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Unwritten Rules of Group Riding
Unwritten Rules of Group Riding : Does and Don'ts Sean Kelly leading the group in Mallorca When riding in a group it is essential to respect certain rules, both for safety reasons and benefitting of ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Thinking about a Cycling Training Camp ?
The first preconception you will most likely need to dispel is the notion that "training camps are only for the serious elite competitive cyclist". The fact is that most people who cycle, whether for ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
The benefits of cycling in a group
The benefits of cycling in a group Why joining a cycling club could be one of the best decisions you ever make Cycling can be an incredibly sociable sport, and I would highly recommend that all new r ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Self-Hypnosis and Imagery for Cyclists and Triathletes
People who are serious about their sport are determined to find anything that will give them an edge over their competition, as well as help them perform at their best. Self-Hypnosis and imagery are ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Road cycling for beginners: how to use your gears correctly
Road cycling for beginners: how to use your gears correctly road cycling for beginners : how to use the gears correctlyAlthough you may think you need no instruction when it comes to how to use the g ...
Friday, 18 March 2022Read more... -
Prepare your bike for the winter
The weather may be passable at the moment but you know that Mother Nature is just watching and waiting to make her move. There are ways, however, to keep your bike on the road and in excellent workin ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Nutritional mistakes made by cyclists
Common nutritional mistakes made by individuals on our cycling trips Whilst it is obviously important to eat healthily and avoid fatty foods where possible, a large proportion of the individuals on o ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Motivation tip to get on the bike
How to motivate yourself to get on the bike: Prepare your gear the night before. All the work of getting ready to ride can be a greater obstacle than the ride itself so prepare your gear the night be ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Make sure your chain and gear train are in good shape
Make sure your chain and gear train are in good shape Gears The gears and the chain are another area which require that bit more attention, especially throughout the winter months. Cycling on wet roa ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Leah Vande Velde's low gluten recipes
Anti-inflammatory, low gluten diet : a new power source for cyclists ? Leah Vande Velde's low gluten recipes Published : by Sarah Staber in VeloNews May. 13th, 2009 Read Sarah Staber's entire story o ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Keep your brakes in order
Keep your brakes in order Brake pads: Your pads wear down naturally over time due to use. This can lead to slower brake response times, and it can require more effort from you to engage your brakes. ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Indoor Trainers are not for 3 hour rides
Much of the fun of going on a cycling adventure with SportActive happens far in advance of the event itself. The anticipation of the trip and the preparation add much to the entire experience. But wh ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
For your safety: check your wheels and tyres
For your safety on the bike, it is essential to make sure your wheels and tyres are correct. Wheels Depending on your bike, you may have quick-release levers on the seat tube or front and back wheel ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Cycling Safety essentials
Cycling Safety essentials. Being a road cyclist means there are a lot of dangers surrounding you, and when cycling you are one of the most vunerable road users. Therefore every piece of safety equipm ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Braking correctly is the key to cycling safety
Braking correctly is the key to cycling safety Cycling Training in Mallorca - Sean Kelly teaching the group Alongside learning how to use your gears correctly, learning how to brake correctly is a ke ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Bike-Fit: the right position on the bike
Whether you are riding to work or across the country, you should be comfortable on your bike. If you have neck, back, or knee pain, saddle sores, or hand or foot numbness, your bicycle probably doesn ...
Sunday, 04 July 2021Read more... -
Active Bike Fit : fitting the bicycle to you
With our extensive knowledge of the sport of cycling and support from a Legend of Professional Cycling, Sean Kelly, SportActive are now taking the objective, to allow everyone to gain a permanent and ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more... -
Le Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux
There is a club called "Le Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux", meaning "The club of the mad men from Mont Ventoux". To be part of this club you need to achieve the following : the ascent of the Mont V ...
Friday, 28 May 2021Read more...
