Watts tell you how much power you are producing on the bike at that moment. Push harder on the pedals, turn them faster or do both and the number rises. Speed changes with the gradient, wind and road surface, but power shows what you are putting through the pedals regardless of how quickly the bike is moving.

Not sure which cycling jersey belongs in your kit? We break down the key features, explain the differences between fits and fabrics, and pick top options for every kind of ride.

The bike is one of the most common cross-training tools for runners, particularly for those recovering from injuries or trying to manage impact and load in the lead-up to an event, but does cycling really help with running fitness? Well, the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

You can be fit enough to ride hard for hours and still ruin the day with a fuelling plan your stomach won't tolerate. That is where gut training comes in. It's not about forcing down the biggest carbohydrate number you can find online, but gradually teaching your stomach to handle the fuel you need.

You've put in the hard miles, banked the training and race day is nearly here. Now comes the bit that can mess with your head: backing off. Tapering in cycling means reducing your training load before an important race or event so accumulated fatigue can fade without giving up the fitness you've worked for. Done well, it means riding less while keeping enough intensity in your legs to feel ready when it counts. Here's how to get those final days right, including how much to ride, when to rest and what a practical cycling taper week can look like.

If you've travelled with your bike, you've probably had the pleasure of fitting it into a car alongside other luggage and passengers like a game of Tetris. The best cars for carrying bikes give you more room to play with and, particularly for mountain bikers, allow you to reach more remote off-road trails.

The bike is useful for runners when it has a job. It can add aerobic work without another set of foot strikes, keep a disrupted week moving, or rest your legs from the pavement. It shouldn't become a second programme piled on top of a full running week.

Cycling Alpe d'Huez means taking on 21 numbered hairpins, a punishing opening and one of the most famous climbs in Tour de France history. This guide explains how the road unfolds, how to pace your effort and how you can ride Alpe d'Huez on ROUVY before tackling it in the French Alps.

Heading into the mountains on your road bike? From preparing for long climbs to managing fast descents and changing weather, these safety tips will help you make smart decisions on the road.