Struggle — training tips

Struggle Dales sportive takes you off Yorkshire’s beaten track and over some of the most narrow, steep and unforgiving climbs. Here we talk you through what to expect when you tackle Hartwith Bank.

Local Knowledge

After a warm-up over Bedlam Hill you’ll hit Hartwith Bank at mile 10, a climb not as forgiving as its precursor.

This secret segment is unknown to the outsider. But rather than shooting through Summerbridge on their way to tackle the infamous Greenhow Hill (which comes later), hardcore locals swing right behind the highstreet and straight up onto this hidden hill.

Zwift racing? Steady three hours (Netflix and chill)? Whatever indoor training you're doing to keep safe and sane over the icy months, make your turbo training count this winter by adding in quality top-end turbo sessions to boost your fitness leading up to the Struggle sportives.

Benefits of High-intensity Turbo Training?

Here at Struggle HQ we're advocates of getting the most training bang for our buck. HIIT (high intensity interval training) provides time-shy cyclists an anaerobic workout that increases cardiovascular capacity and is said to bring about physical adaptations in a shorter amount of time. 

High-intensity turbo...

Professional Ironman athlete Eleanor Haresign is no stranger to the highs and lows of cycling. Following a successful rise through the Pro Ironman ranks, Eleanor nursed mystery injuries until finally being diagnosed with a large cartilage tear in her hip. Here Eleanor provides her top tips for avoiding injury as a long-distance cyclists and managing  sportive niggles.

1. Prevention not Cure

“It's very easy to do no (p)rehab when you are injury free, as it seems unnecessary.  Whilst I was always good at doing stretching and using the foam roller, they weren't enough on their own...