Expert advice: The benefits of the home trainer in ultradistance

Hello everyone  !

Participating in ultradistance cycling events, requires rigorous and well-structured preparation. Using a home trainer (or indoor bike / turbo trainer) proves to be an indispensable tool for athletes looking to maximize their training, especially during the winter or when time constraints arise.

The benefits of Home Trainer in ultracycling training

Advantages of the Home Trainer

Efficiency and specificity of training: The home trainer allows for highly specific and focused training sessions. You can target precise aspects of your physical condition, such as endurance, strength, or pedaling cadence, without the interruptions and terrain variations found outdoors. Short sessions of one hour on a home trainer can be extremely productive through concentrated high-intensity intervals or specific exercises.

Year-round training: In winter, weather conditions can make outdoor training difficult or even dangerous. The home trainer provides a safe and effective alternative, allowing you to maintain a regular and structured training program despite the cold, rain, or snow. This ensures continuity in your preparation and avoids prolonged interruptions.

Adaptation to course profiles: For those living in flat regions, the home trainer allows simulation of climbs and descents through specific programs or accessories like gradient simulators. You can thus prepare for hilly races even if your local environment doesn’t provide the necessary terrain.
Weather independence: Training on a home trainer means not being dependent on weather conditions. You can plan your sessions without worrying about rain, wind, or snow, allowing for better regularity and steady progress.

Improvement of pedaling technique: The home trainer provides an ideal setting for working on pedaling technique. Specific exercises like single-leg pedaling improve the efficiency and fluidity of your pedal stroke, resulting in better energy economy during ultradistance races.

Integrating the Home Trainer into your training

Seasonal planning:

In winter: Use this period to strengthen your base. Integrate two to three home trainer sessions per week, focusing on endurance, strength, and pedaling technique.
Pre-season: Reduce sessions to one or two per week to maintain gains while gradually increasing outdoor rides.

Types of sessions:

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): These sessions improve your power and ability to sustain intense efforts, essential in races

Strength sessions: Simulate climbs by increasing resistance to develop cycling-specific muscle strength.

Technical work: Focus on cadence exercises, single-leg pedaling, or sprint simulations to enhance your technique and efficiency.

Dynamic stretching: Perform dynamic stretches before each session to prepare your muscles for exertion.

Static stretching: After training, perform static stretches to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness.

Comparison between Home Trainer and outdoor training

Effective pedaling time: On a home trainer, there’s no coasting, so every minute spent on the device is a minute of effective work. One hour on a home trainer often equals 1.5 to 1.75 hours of outdoor cycling due to the continuous effort.
Goal adaptation: Do not make a direct transfer of time spent outdoors to the home trainer. If your goal is six hours of cycling per week, you can reduce this to four hours on the home trainer by focusing on high-quality sessions.

The home trainer is a valuable asset for any ultradistance athlete. It allows for effective, structured, and regular training regardless of external conditions. By integrating specific and well-planned sessions, you can improve your strength, endurance, and pedaling technique, preparing optimally for your ultradistance challenges.

Use this time to refine your skills and increase your resilience, transforming every minute spent on the home trainer into a step closer to achieving your ultradistance goals.

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