Chema Arguedas: keys to improve your performance in road cycling and MTB
If your passion is cycling, especially on the road, you surely know Chema Arguedas. Trainer, physical coach and author of the book "Planifica tus pedaladas", he has become a reference for cyclists who want to improve their performance, whether on mountain bikes or road bikes.
In this interview, Arguedas shares essential tips for any recreational cyclist who wants to take on new challenges, optimize their training, and make a qualitative leap in their performance on the bike.
📺 Here you can watch the full interview with Chema Arguedas.
"Planifica tus pedaladas": the book that revolutionized cycling training
More than fifteen years have passed since its first edition, but "Planifica tus pedaladas" is still an essential guide for cyclists who want to train methodically. Chema Arguedas explains how the idea came about and why it has become a success:
“The book opened the eyes of many cyclists who thought they were training, but in reality were just going out for a ride. It has helped those who invested hours and hours in trying to improve, but ended up stuck in their performance.”
The book brings order to cycling training, addressing physiology in accessible language and highlighting the importance of a good cardiovascular base, something key for both road cyclists and lovers of mountain bike routes.
The most common mistake of amateur cyclists
One of the biggest problems faced by recreational cyclists is the lack of patience. According to Arguedas, many want to improve their performance quickly without respecting the body's adaptation processes:
“Cyclists don't want to go slow, they want to ride fast with the group, perform in events and take on demanding challenges, such as cycling tours or stage races. But without a well-developed base, the body does not develop the necessary efficiency.”
Both on road bikes and on mountain bikes , the lack of cardiovascular adaptation can result in high glucose consumption with minimal effort, which prevents the cyclist from reaching their true potential.
Image: Pixabay
Nutrition in cycling: keys to maximum performance
Good nutrition is essential for cycling performance. Chema Arguedas explains it simply:
- Before and after effort, the body needs an adequate load of carbohydrates to perform and recover.
- During activity, carbohydrate intake must be controlled to avoid digestive problems.
- The cyclist must train their digestive system to tolerate gels and energy bars before a competition.
Proper nutritional planning allows you to maintain energy during long events, whether it’s a ride on road bikes or a marathon on mountain bikes.
How to train after age 50?
Well-structured training is key to continuing to improve with age. According to Arguedas, the key is to respect the basic principles of training, and take care of rest and nutrition.
“From the age of 50, the body takes longer to recover. But with good planning, it is possible to maintain and even improve performance. I coach cyclists over 60 years old, and one of them, at 73, has achieved impressive progress.”
Whether you train on road bikes or prefer MTB, proper planning for 2-3 months a year can make a difference in your performance and your health.