Race preparation

Every year a wave of ROUVY employees disappears off to IRONMAN events around the world, and roughly half the team has finished a full distance or a 70.3. So we asked the person with the most finish lines behind him for everything he knows.

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.