Track Sprinting Fundamentals - Training Nuggets
Track Sprinting Fundamentals - Training Nuggets by David Bernard
This article is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone new to track sprint cycling. It's a compilation of the "nuggets" of wisdom shared with the Track Sprinting Facebook group. These nuggets, offered by seasoned athletes and coaches, provide invaluable insights into the world of track sprinting.
Before diving into the training nuggets, it's essential to give credit where it's due. The author, David Bernard, expresses gratitude to his coach, Zac Williams, an ex-New Zealand Sprint Team Olympian. He also thanks fellow Track Sprinting Facebook members, including Lee Povey, Lee Evans, Paul Jackson, BJ Olsen, and Nathan McLachlan, for their generous sharing of knowledge.
Welcome to the Vortex
David Bernard's introductory note sets the tone for the article. He welcomes readers to the "vortex" of track sprinting, emphasising the intense and exhilarating world of sprint cycling.
The passage provides a comprehensive guide to training for track sprinters, highlighting the unique demands of this cycling discipline. Track sprinters aim to excel in extremely short races, which necessitates a sharp focus on acceleration, maximum speed, and the ability to maintain that speed. Training is diverse and encompasses various forms of accelerations, including standing starts, slow roll accelerations, and corner exits, while weight training is essential for enhancing acceleration. Speed endurance is also a crucial component of a track sprinter's training regimen, ensuring they can maintain high speeds until the finish line.
The text underscores the importance of integrating weight training into a sprinter's program to enhance strength, power, and injury prevention. The decision to include weights depends on individual factors like training background, goals, and strengths and weaknesses. Balancing gym and on-bike training is key, and periodisation, or structuring training into distinct phases, plays a pivotal role in preparing for races. The emphasis on developing the alactic energy system is highlighted, enabling sprinters to push their limits.
In summary, track sprinters employ a multifaceted approach to training, combining gym workouts with on-the-bike sessions to enhance acceleration, maximum speed, and speed endurance. This training regimen, including periodisation and exercise variation, is tailored to the specific needs of sprinters to help them succeed in the unique and demanding world of track sprinting.