Tour of Sligo secures the services of Top Cycling Coach for this years event
With a very successful launch of the event having taken place recently and the announcement of this years Cycling Ambassador Olympian Eve Mc Crystal,it is now time to start preparation for the event. It is for this reason that the organisers of the event Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership has secured the services of one of the top cycling coaches in Ireland to profile a Six Week training programme in the lead up to the event. This progamme will hopefully assist all levels of Cyclists that are hoping to take part in the event with hints and tips in the lead up to the event so as their preparation is of the highest level. The programme will be highlighted each week in the Sports Section of the Sligo Champion.
Paddy Doran is a level 3 cycling Ireland coach and Level 2 Coach tutor. A former Cycling Ireland Coach of the year and Coaching Ireland Tutor of the year. Recently he was head coach of the very successful Cycling Ireland High performance development coaching programme. This Programme is currently delivering a steady stream of excellent cyclists to Cycling Ireland squads. He has successfully coached cyclists like Ciaran Power, Brian Kinnnealy, Stephen Gallagher, Paidi O Brien, Siobhan Horgan and many others to professional Olympic and international level.
His coaching is ablend of science and the art of coaching with innovative, holistic programmes that focuses on the athletes needs and life balance.
He also achieved a Certificate in Theory and practice of working in groups through Maynooth University. Paddy was a successful cyclist and began coaching while still competing.
He has also worked with Cycling Irelands Women’s commission to develop women’s cycling.
Some testimonials from a cross section of some of Ireland’s top cyclists:
Sean Lacey International Cyclist
Paddy’s background as a former international cyclist, his extensive experience with working with world-class cyclists and the way they think and operate, and his ability to think outside the box all raise my level of thinking about cycling and training regimes every time we talk.
Download the training tips by clicking on the links below
Week 1 Training Tips
Week 2 Training Tips
Week 3 Training Tips
Week 4 Training Tips
Week 5 Training Tips
Week 6 Training Tips
Plus some safety tips for descending can be found at this link peakendurancecoaching
Top Ten Tips for Beginners…
1. POSITION
Get a comfortable position on your bike that’s not too cramped or stretched. Ask for advice from a good bike shop or an experienced cyclist.
2. CLOTHING
Cycle clothing can be expensive but a good pair of cycling shorts is important and can save much of the discomfort!
3. GEARS
Most bikes now have a good selection of gears, but most beginners push too heavy a gear ratio. Select a gear that allows you to spin your legs freely, especially up hills.
4. TYRE PRESSURE
A common error among beginners is cycling on soft tyres. Pump them hard and they are much easier to push!
5. FOOD
Eat a light breakfast ideally 1 to 2 hours before your cycle. Don’t stuff yourself – “ a little and often along the way ” is a good cycling motto.
6. DRINK
Be well hydrated before the cycle and drink regularly along the way. Don’t use fizzy drinks – there are good sports drinks on the market that will keep your energy levels up – if not use plain water.
7. BRAKES
A common mistake among beginners is to pull one brake only while cornering and fall off. You should pull the two brakes evenly together before the turn.
8. WIND
Cycling alone into a strong headwind is the hardest type of cycling. Practice cycling in a group and keep as close together as possible. “Sitting” in someone’s slipstream is so much easier you will be amazed!!
9. CRASHES
Most beginners crash by knocking off each other! Stay alert, watch out for upcoming danger and brake in time. When cycling in a group, warn each other of potholes or other dangers.
10. HELMETS
Always wear your helmet, even when on a short training spin.
