Health & Fitness

How to use Strava to make you fitter

How to use Strava to make you fitter

Loads of us use online app Strava to record our rides. Here's how you can make the most of its features to improve your cycling fitness

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Latest News

Are the new Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets a disappointment? Listen to the debate on episode 6 of the road.cc Podcast

Are the new Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets a disappointment? Listen to the debate on episode 6 of the road.cc Podcast

12-speed, semi-wireless... what's not to love? The team discuss whether Shimano has gone far enough with its latest big launch, plus we talk cramp prevention with Precision Hydration and our cycling pet peeves

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Physiotherapy after a cycling crash - what happens and why you should see one

Physiotherapy after a cycling crash - what happens and why you should see one

Physiotherapy can be an excellent tool for recovery after a bicycle crash. Here is how to find the right physio and how they can help

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Cycling fitness: How to get the most from your indoor training sessions

Cycling fitness: How to get the most from your indoor training sessions

Riding on the turbo is an efficient way to develop your cycling fitness. We got the experts to explain how you can use your limited time to make the biggest gains

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10 top tips for cyclists to get faster up hills

10 top tips for cyclists to get faster up hills

Races are won and lost on hills, and there's a reason Strava has King and Queen of the Mountains segments

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How training zones can help you get your greatest cycling fitness gains

How training zones can help you get your greatest cycling fitness gains

Whether you train by power or heart rate, it's all about structuring your rides for the greatest benefit in the shortest time

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Data reveals huge strain of Lachlan Morton’s solo Alt Tour vs. EF-Education Nippo’s Tour de France efforts

Data reveals huge strain of Lachlan Morton’s solo Alt Tour vs. EF-Education Nippo’s Tour de France efforts

Completing the full Tour de France course solo and self-supported, the EF-Education Nippo pro hit a rare 20.8 out of 21 on Whoop's strain scale during day 17

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What does a rider eat to get through a stage of the Tour de France?

What does a rider eat to get through a stage of the Tour de France?

We spoke to Ineos Grenadiers’ Performance Nutritionist James Moran to find out how the team fuels a tough day in the mountains

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"Get health checks regularly to catch things early and stay positive": Sir Dave Brailsford offers advice as he reveals he underwent heart surgery

Ineos Grenadiers’ team principal had previously been operated on for prostate cancer in September 2019, and has now revealed that he had heart surgery in March

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New study seeks to discover if excessive recreational cycling leads to heart issues

New study seeks to discover if excessive recreational cycling leads to heart issues

Research from Australia is claimed to be first in the world focusing on non-elite riders cycling for fitness

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How to use an e-bike to improve your fitness

How to use an e-bike to improve your fitness

If you think electric bikes are cheating you out of potential fitness gains, think again! Find out how you can use your time on an e-bike for maximum improvements

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Strava's 'biggest app update of the year' adds personalised Segment suggestions and new Group Challenges for friendly competition

Strava's 'biggest app update of the year' adds personalised Segment suggestions and new Group Challenges for friendly competition

Athletes can invite up to 24 friends to compete against in ‘Most Activity’, ‘Fastest Effort’ and ‘Longest Single Activity’ challenges

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Female optimised training: how to work with your menstrual cycle for optimal fitness

Female optimised training: how to work with your menstrual cycle for optimal fitness

Looking at how your hormones change during each phase of the cycle, here's how you can adapt your training sessions, nutrition and recovery to make the most of your in-the-saddle time, whatever your goal...

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Discovering cycling in your 40s - how to unlock the talents you never knew you had

Discovering cycling in your 40s - how to unlock the talents you never knew you had

Everything you need to know when you discover – or rediscover – cycling. How to avoid injuries and get into the best shape of your life

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Ed Miliband only 'mastered' riding a bicycle aged 50

Ed Miliband only 'mastered' riding a bicycle aged 50

He also admitted he 'resisted' using an adult tricycle in case he was photographed on it

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New look incoming to Strava’s app layout

New look incoming to Strava’s app layout

New Group and Map tabs now appear at the bottom of the app screen

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How to maximise your fitness when you get to 40+

How to maximise your fitness when you get to 40+

Our bodies and athletic abilities change as we approach middle age. Here's what you need to know to make the most of your time on the bike

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Peloton, Strava and TrainerRoad collect and share the most personal data, finds new cycling app study

Peloton, Strava and TrainerRoad collect and share the most personal data, finds new cycling app study

Find out how popular cycling apps rank for sharing users’ personal data with third parties...

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James May claims he is now 'well buff' after cycling throughout lockdown

James May claims he is now 'well buff' after cycling throughout lockdown

The former Top Gear host said he has only driven 'a dozen times' in the past year

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Strength training for cyclists: master muscle control for maximum on-bike gains

Strength training for cyclists: master muscle control for maximum on-bike gains

To convert strength training to cycling performance, you need to create stiffness and power exactly when it’s needed. Here are three great exercises that will help you nail muscular control

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Routes of all evil — why you should try a bit of deviation if you want to be a better rider

Routes of all evil — why you should try a bit of deviation if you want to be a better rider

Tweaking where you ride can deliver performance gains

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Cyclist who sacrificed his Olympic dream for 'beer and women' 40 years ago hopes to compete for team GB

Cyclist who sacrificed his Olympic dream for 'beer and women' 40 years ago hopes to compete for team GB

At his largest Steve Johnson weighed 21 stone and was downing up to 20 beers a night

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Strength training for cyclists vs general resistance training: how to make your gym routine cycling-specific

Strength training for cyclists vs general resistance training: how to make your gym routine cycling-specific

With a few small adjustments, some common exercises you may already be doing in the gym can be optimised so you will reap the rewards on the bike. Here's how

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How to get the most from your limited training time

How to get the most from your limited training time

Make sure you don’t waste any time when it comes to building your fitness, with advice from expert coaches. Even 30 minutes is enough for a valuable session...

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How to maximise your recovery and build your fitness

How to maximise your recovery and build your fitness

Getting stronger is not just about smashing it on the bike; here’s how to recover effectively so you don't lose out on the benefits of each ride…

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Zwift’s Tour of Watopia returns, allowing you to fast-track to rewards

Zwift’s Tour of Watopia returns, allowing you to fast-track to rewards

If you’re looking to fast-track your way to an in-game bike and wheels upgrade, new events offer double XP experience points

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Latest Reviews

Cambridge Chamois Cream

Cambridge Chamois Cream

Excellent even with frugal use, and 100 percent natural – though not cheap

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£14.50

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BeElite Chamois Cream

Excellent chamois cream for long rides, as long as you don't mind that menthol tingle – and almost eternally half price

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£20.00

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SRAM Rival AXS Power Meter

Very good chainset spindle-based power meter at an excellent price, although compatibility might be an issue for you

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£230.00

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Garmin Rally RK200 Dual-sensing Power Meter pedals

Garmin Rally RK200 Dual-sensing Power Meter pedals

Reliable and consistent data with useful swappable pedal body for different road and off-road cleats

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£969.99

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OTE Orange Hydro Tabs

OTE Orange Hydro Tabs

Very good hydration tablets, with InformedSport batch testing for peace of mind

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£7.50

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NamedSport Whey Protein Shake - Chocolate

NamedSport Whey Protein Shake - Chocolate

Easy-to-mix, fast-acting protein drink

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£30.90

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Saris Fluid2 Trainer Smart Equipped

Dependable classic of a trainer that provides a more affordable way into virtual training

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£299.99

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NamedSport Isonam Energy

NamedSport Isonam Energy

Easy to mix and very drinkable isotonic energy mix that works well

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£12.40

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Vacmaster Cardio54 Fitness Fan

Want to blow masses of air in your face? Look no further

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£99.99

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OTE Super Carbs Energy Drink

OTE Super Carbs Energy Drink

Delivers a huge amount of carbs with no fuss or issues, but it's expensive

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£28.50

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Wahoo Elemnt Rival Multisport GPS Watch

Highly customisable GPS watch with a clear display, plus a couple of neat triathlon-specific features

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£349.99

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Torq aTac Cold & Flu Relief

Torq aTac Cold & Flu Relief

Scientifically backed micronutrients drink that seems to work when colds/flu strikes

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£14.95

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Platypus Hoser Reservoir 2 Litre

Good solution to carrying water in a frame bag or backpack – a few niggles aside, it's a solid choice

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£26.00

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Veloforte Mixed Plant Power Pack

Veloforte Mixed Plant Power Pack

Incredible taste, great texture, and packing just the right macros for fuelling your all-day rides

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£7.49

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VeloChampion Anti Chafe Chamois Cream

VeloChampion Anti Chafe Chamois Cream

A lightweight, mess-free cream that protects without you even noticing it

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£17.95

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Enervit Sport Carbo Flow

Enervit Sport Carbo Flow

Effective slow-release carb drink with added flavanol benefits, but it's pricey

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£26.09

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Enervit Sport Maltodextrin During

Enervit Sport Maltodextrin During

Easy to mix, effective carbohydrate energy drink that tastes like water

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£9.99

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Rotor INspider Power Meter DM 110x4

Rotor INspider Power Meter DM 110x4

Impressively weatherproof design with consistent data figures

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£585.00

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Avrox Ei8ht Energy Sachets

Handy sachets for an innovative, oxygen-enhancing pre-ride drink, but the one flavour is limiting

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£37.99

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Revvies Starter Pack

Simple and effective way to get a quick shot of caffeine, on or off the bike

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£9.50

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Voom Energy Taster Pack

Voom Energy Taster Pack

Tasty but not overpowering flavours, easy to open and with a texture that is easy to consume

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£7.00

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Enervit Sport Isocarb 2:1 During

Enervit Sport Isocarb 2:1 During

Great tasting and easy to consume high-carb drink – but it's a pricey way to fuel

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£17.99

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LifeLine Rocker Plate

Adds an extra dimension and increases comfort for indoor riding

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£299.99

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Zycle ZPro SMART Turbo Trainer

Well-specced smart trainer that's simple to use and gives a realistic ride feel

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£399.00

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Kendal Mint Co NRG Gels

Comfortable on the stomach, good range of flavours, and competitively priced

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£15.99

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