RYBOgoAGS

Hey all.. this is actually my first post so try to bear with me if I begin to ramble on. Anyways, I am a very active person, nearly 20 yrs old, and am looking into joining my schools cycling team. I have played football, soccer, and rowed for the majority of my life and am trying to transition to cycling. I was directed by the cycling team to check out one of their "connections" where I picked up a Fuji SL-1 (full Dura-Ace) for under $2000. I have been on the bike for a total of about 75 miles and absolutely love it.

Being that I am new to the sport, but not new to lifting weights or other forms of exercise and diet, I would like any advice one would give me in terms of where to start training. So far I have heard to just pack on the base miles as I will need them during the racing season. Should I be doing interval work as well or just build up some long endurance rides? Should I be lifting weights at all or save that for the fall/winter? When I do start lifting, I read that sticking to a good endurance program (12x12) is key and just to start off with low weight and work your way up slowly. Also, in terms of nutrition, aside from a well balanced 3 full meals and 3 "energy" snacks, a multi-vitamin should keep me fresh, right?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Carbonfiberboy 

Friel's Cyclist's Training Bible will answer your questions.

rodrigaj

Monique Ryan's Sport Nutrition for Endurance Athletes will answer your nutrition question.

ironhorse3

Since you're going to be on a cycling team, the coach can give you additional information. Generally, the answer to your question about intervals, and endurance, would be you will need development in both. A convenient method is to use a local route where you can ride laps. I'm fortunate to have a 2 mile hill-equipped multiuse path that's perfect for outdoor cycling and running.

Check with you coach about how much weight training is recommended. Some lifts might be counterproductive like squats (i.e. might be hard on the knees, whereas power lifters use them as the basis of their training).

Use the 'net, books (various ones) and especially your coach and teammates as resources. Try to find out how cyclists you admire got to be where they are. Good luck!