Features

How to Prepare for Gravel Events
How to Prepare for Gravel Events
Gravel racing has quickly become one of the most exciting and demanding disciplines in cycling. Not only do gravel routes have less traffic but they also include an extra technical... Read more...
Finding Purpose in a Cloud of Metrics
Finding Purpose in a Cloud of Metrics
As I age, my body slows but perspective grows. I can no longer follow the accelerations of my son Ashlin, who is a professional cyclist, and his friends, but I... Read more...
Snow Ride
Snow Ride
My math homework half completed and Bob Dylan on the turntable, I looked out the window as snow began to fall. First a few scattered flakes spotted the sky but,... Read more...
The Long Winter Ride: How it has changed and what that means.
The Long Winter Ride: How it has changed and what that means.
By Michael Barry  Photography By Camille McMillan  We would meet later in the morning, waiting for the sun to rise high enough to warm the air and melt the frost... Read more...
The Race Of Truth
The Race Of Truth
With the World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda wrapping over the weekend, Michael Barry reflects on the time trial, what makes the solo event unique and what it takes to win. ... Read more...
Track Racing: A training ground for champions
Track Racing: A training ground for champions
Many velodromes around the world, especially those outdoors and uncovered, go unused. Thirty years ago, they were hives of activity as kids learned to ride and race while professional races... Read more...
Michael Barry: Sports psychology does not play a big enough part in pro cycling
Michael Barry: Sports psychology does not play a big enough part in pro cycling
The former pro weighs in on an important aspect in the sport that seems to be lacking Bike racing requires grit, sacrifice, and passion. The physical demands are met with... Read more...
AI is influencing bike racing outcomes. How will that affect the Directeur Sportif’s role and value?
AI is influencing bike racing outcomes. How will that affect the Directeur Sportif’s role and value?
In a cycling team meeting, the best team directeur sportifs will explain the intricacies of the courses, they know where the peloton will shatter, where the winning attacks will be... Read more...
The risks of gamified training: balancing PBs with true development
The risks of gamified training: balancing PBs with true development
Former pro and current coach Michael Barry weighs in on the risks of putting too much weight into awards The lure of an award, a badge, a personal best (PB),... Read more...
Michael Barry on performance and the power meter
Michael Barry on performance and the power meter
How the advances of data have helped, and hindered the sport Bike racers at every level of the sport are now breaking records in all disciplines whether the track, road... Read more...
BEHIND THE MOTOR
BEHIND THE MOTOR
"Motorpacing is the only way to truly simulate a race in training. Over the last few months, to help our son, Ashlin, train for the World Championships in Zurich Switzerland,... Read more...
Biometric data: Racing towards the future?
Biometric data: Racing towards the future?
The intersection of technology, racing and the implications of cyclists sharing their biometric data with teams, coaches and agents A classic scene sets up the storyline in many movies: a... Read more...
Performance and the Power meter
Performance and the Power meter
How the advances of data analysis have helped…and hindered the sport Bike racers at every level of the sport are now breaking records in all disciplines whether the track, road... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes: Tips From a Super Bowl Champ Turned Track Cyclist
Fast Talk Femmes: Tips From a Super Bowl Champ Turned Track Cyclist
Former NFL tight end Luke Willson and his coach, Jenny Trew, share tips on skill transfer between sports. Luke Willson is a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion who has played for... Read more...
Training: The Importance of Being Open to New Ideas and Methods
Training: The Importance of Being Open to New Ideas and Methods
By Michael Barry Sport science, training techniques, aerodynamics, and our understanding of a multitude of variables in relation to a cyclist’s performance have evolved, or been debunked, yet absolutists remain... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: The Group Effect: The Impact of Training Together in an Individual Sport
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: The Group Effect: The Impact of Training Together in an Individual Sport
Explore the intricacies of cycling excellence as former Cycling Canada Endurance Track Coach Jenny Trew and Mattamy National Cycling Center Director Chris Reid divulge insights on effective training groups, developmental... Read more...
Athlete Care with Skratch Labs
Athlete Care with Skratch Labs
Skratch Labs Co-founder, Dr. Allen Lim has been a champion of Athlete Care since the 1990s. As a former bike racer and an exercise physiologist, Allen understands the nutritional, physical... Read more...
Q & A with Canadian Hour Record Holder and Randonneur, Peter Leiss
Q & A with Canadian Hour Record Holder and Randonneur, Peter Leiss
PETER LEISS, 40.573 km (25.211 miles) recently set a new Canadian Men’s Age 70-74 record. This was Peter’s 2nd time riding the One Hour. Previously, he did 39.619 km to... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: Optimizing Altitude Training with Dr. Trent Stellingwerff
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: Optimizing Altitude Training with Dr. Trent Stellingwerff
Dr. Trent Stellingwerff reviews the research and gives practical tips on how to optimize altitude training in preparation for events both at altitude or at sea level. Topics: Altitude Training... Read more...
Carving Out Pockets Of the Day
Carving Out Pockets Of the Day
A helicopter chops the air just above us as we pedal to work through the lush valley. With a hospital close to our home we often hear the thwack of... Read more...
The Thrill of Velodrome Racing
The Thrill of Velodrome Racing
In the track centre, riders whirl in place on rollers. Balanced on the spinning cylinders, they stare ahead with focussed eyes, finding rhythm with the music that flows out of... Read more...
The Off Season
The Off Season
Floating in the belly of the peloton, my thoughts drifted to the off season as they often did during late autumn races. A team rode a steady speed on the... Read more...
Supporting Youth Cycling Development in North America
Supporting Youth Cycling Development in North America
Many of the top cyclists in the world are now some of the youngest in the professional peloton. World Tour teams are recruiting from the junior ranks, and many are... Read more...
Switch Off To Switch On: Mindfulness and Focus on the Bike
Switch Off To Switch On: Mindfulness and Focus on the Bike
Minutes from leaving the house, everything starts to flow. My headlight opens the roads as the neighbourhood sleeps. One car passes me before stopping at a house to throw a... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast
We are pleased to announce that Dede, along with her former U.S. National and Saturn Pro Cycling teammate Julie Young have launched a new podcast focused on female endurance athletes... Read more...
Race Days: The Compounding Benefits of Race Experience
Race Days: The Compounding Benefits of Race Experience
The best bike racers aren’t always the strongest or the fittest cyclists on the start line but are often those who have a deep understanding of how to race and... Read more...
Winter Cycling Tips
Winter Cycling Tips
Winter riding can be a great adventure, a lot of fun and a whole lot better than riding the trainer if you are well prepared. Without the proper gear it'll... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant. Long rides train your heart, sprints train your muscles. Different workout styles can get... Read more...
In The News
In The News
Must listen: A great podcast with Exercise Physiologist and Skratch Labs founder, Allen Lim discusses Sports Nutrition and Marginal Gains in cycling.The podcast, Marginal Gains is worth taking a dive... Read more...
A conversation with Chris Reid, Director of the National Cycling Institute Milton (NCIM)
A conversation with Chris Reid, Director of the National Cycling Institute Milton (NCIM)
A native of Guelph, Ontario, Chris Reid has over 26 years of experience in the cycling industry. Chris raced bicycles internationally and then was the a director of an Ottawa... Read more...
Running and Riding. How a Run Can Improve Your Cycling Fitness
Running and Riding. How a Run Can Improve Your Cycling Fitness
In the cold winter months, cycling can be a challenge, especially if the ride is anything more than a commute to work, the shops, or school. The cold wind quickly... Read more...
Autumn (Excerpt from Le Metier: The Seasons Of A Professional Cyclist)
Autumn (Excerpt from Le Metier: The Seasons Of A Professional Cyclist)
By Michael Barry Photography by Camille McMillan Into the sixth hour of the ride, the temperature drops as I reach the top of the Pyrenean peak. Autumn is arriving on... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant. Trek, one of the world’s biggest bicycle brands, recently released its sustainability report for... Read more...
How To Become A Better Cyclist
How To Become A Better Cyclist
We visit with Julie Young, a former professional and US National cycling team member who is currently based in Sacramento, California, where she works as a Sports Scientist and coaches... Read more...
Peter's Winter Cycling Tips: Fenders, Feet & Maintenance
Peter's Winter Cycling Tips: Fenders, Feet & Maintenance
Mariposa Bicycles painter and mechanic, Peter Morse, has ridden to work every day over the last five years, which in Toronto, where the winters are tough, is an accomplishment. He... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevent. It seems that, finally, we can expect the return of the women’s Tour de... Read more...
Winter Beginnings
Winter Beginnings
In a tight formation, we rolled over the Majorcan countryside. A dozen riders paired up in matching outfits, inches between our wheels while our elbows touched, our legs ticking over... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant. It's never too cold to ride outside. (Well, almost never). Eben Weiss of Outside... Read more...
Gravel Tips with Colin Strickland
Gravel Tips with Colin Strickland
My rides on gravel roads tend to be long. This is because the gravel roads near my home in Austin TX are not actually that “near” at all. If you... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant. ActiveTO is (mostly) finished, so how will Toronto get residents outdoors this winter?Mayor John... Read more...
Why Riding and Racing Off-Road will make you a better cyclist
Why Riding and Racing Off-Road will make you a better cyclist
In a peloton hurtling down a mountain in the rain, or thrashing over slick muddy cobblestones, or coming into a final turn at 60 km/h, it is evident which riders... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant. Listen: Killian Jornet, a Champion Ultrarunner and Mountaineer, was recently interviewed on the Growth... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant. Canadian Federal government announces new infrastructure program expansion to create COVID-19 Resilience stream, with... Read more...
Has gearing been the greatest technical shift in the last 20 years?
Has gearing been the greatest technical shift in the last 20 years?
By Michael Barry In the last 20 years, the most significant technological shifts in professional cycling have not been related to aero wheels or bike weight but the gear ratios... Read more...
In The News
In The News
A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant. The World Health Organization says cycling is encourages for both travel and exercise during... Read more...
Maximizing Performance On The Bike
Maximizing Performance On The Bike
By Dede Barry As the ascent began, I looked down at my power-meter, dialing in my cadence and pressure on the pedals to the effort prescribed by my coach. The... Read more...
The Off Season
The Off Season
By Michael Barry for Soigneur Journal Floating in the belly of the peloton, my thoughts drifted to the off season, as they often did during late autumn races. A team... Read more...
Adventures Off The Beaten Path In the Pyrenees
Adventures Off The Beaten Path In the Pyrenees
Away from the traffic and into the green mountains I can quickly find the serenity that is elusive within the city. We climbed for an hour or so, up to... Read more...
Lake Placid: An adventure in the hills discovering new limits.
Lake Placid: An adventure in the hills discovering new limits.
“I would like to do whatever it is, that presses the essence from the hour.” Ellen Meloy, The Anthropology of Turquoise   Rounding the final bend and climbing into the... Read more...
Favourite Rides: A Snowy Adventure From Boulder to Eldora Ski Station
Favourite Rides: A Snowy Adventure From Boulder to Eldora Ski Station
By Michael Barry A novel adventure turns any ride into a good ride. Quite often, the greatest rides are when the adventure is shared with others. The Rocky Mountains outside... Read more...