You don't need fancy gear, perfect clothes, big muscles or an expensive bike. All you need is a bike and a helmet, and boom – you're a cyclist.

Cycling isn't supposed to hurt. Yet for many riders, discomfort creeps in sooner or later. Maybe it's a nagging knee on climbs, tingling fingers halfway through a ride, or a sore back that lingers long after you've unclipped. Sometimes it builds quietly over weeks. Other times, it happens all at once in a split-second crash.

We lined up on the rail, ready to leave it all on the track in a team sprint race. The whistle blew, and we dove down the track, wheel to wheel, cadences high and our determination even higher. We gave it everything we had – until our lungs burned and our legs gave out into wobbly, noodly messes. Yet the final sprint was photo-finish close.

“You just didn’t drink enough,” he said, as he handed me a bottle of Gatorade and an ice pack for my throbbing head. And he was right. I was so taken by the thrill of the ride and the glorious country views that I forgot to sip regularly. Dehydration got the best of me.

The guilt and FOMO used to hit me like a brick every time I would turn down an outdoor ride in favour of my smart trainer. But sometimes, climbing aboard my trainer makes a lot more sense than meandering the rolling hills in my rural hometown.

Looking for the best women’s triathlon swimsuit? Discover how to choose triathlon swimwear that fits well, lasts longer in chlorine and performs in open water.

Whether you're fuelling a long endurance ride, a hard interval session or a ROUVY race, knowing when to eat fast carbs and slow carbs can make all the difference to your performance.

Foot pain while cycling is common but it shouldn’t be part of your ride. Discover the causes behind burning feet, numb toes and sore arches – plus simple fixes that actually help.

A sore bum after a bike ride can take the fun out of cycling fast. The good news? Most causes of bike seat pain are easy to fix. Discover what’s behind the discomfort – and how to ride pain-free again.