I get asked all the time about how I would train for a specific type of riding or event. Of course, riders think it is as easy as telling them to do a specific exercise or cardio routine but there is really much more to it.

There are 3 Levels of Mountain Bike Performance Training that you need to think about and they must be addressed in order. Here is how I look at training a mountain biker:

1^st Level: Human Being/ Athlete – Most riders forget that they are not really “mountain bikers” but are instead human beings that ride mountain bikes. The more athletic you are the higher your performance ceiling is. The less functional you are the more injuries you’ll incur.

It still amazes me how many riders who can not touch their toes or do 5 perfect bodyweight full squats will talk about how their bike/ wheel size/ suspension/ etc. is holding them back. Make sure the pilot riding the bike is strong, mobile and functional before you start worrying about your equipment.

2^nd Level: Mountain Biker – Mountain biking is a great sport because it demands so much of the trail rider. Steep climbs, technical descents, fast singletrack, jumps, drops and ledges are all part of what the trail can throw at you and keep you well rounded. A well rounded rider is a better rider and has more riding potential to apply to racing.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to be great at everything, just well-rounded. If all you do is pedal long miles then hit the pump track or dirt jumps. If all you do is shuttle DH runs or session the jumps then go for a long pedal with plenty of climbs. Get out of your comfort zone and you’ll be amazed at what you learn and how it will apply to what you prefer to ride.

3^rd Level: Mountain Bike Racer – Racing is simply a specific application of your basic movement and riding skills. In fact, 90% of what I would do with a DH racer I would do with a 24 Hour Solo racer – the big difference is in the conditioning side of things. When doing your “cardio” you have to take a very specific look at exactly what you need to do in order to be successful and then plan accordingly.

For most riders it is the 1^st level that needs the most work. If you have glaring postural and strength issues but just keep pedaling away in hopes of becoming a better rider then you are kidding yourself. You don’t need to take a skills clinic or buy a new bike yet – you have to fix how you move and how strong you are if you want to get the most out of those things.

If you have that 1^st level covered then make sure that you are a well rounded rider. Take a skills clinic, start riding things outside your comfort zone and don’t shy away from challenges thrown at you by the trail.

If you have the first 2 levels covered then that is when you want to start dialing everything you can in towards the specific fitness and skills needed for your race. Cardio, strength and mobility levels should all be tailored towards these specific things and at the highest levels this will erode the base of the previous 2 levels. This makes a program that helps minimize that erosion essential for long term progress.

So there you have it, my entire coaching philosophy. Like many things in life it is very simple to explain but infinitely complex to apply. It is also very tough to judge for yourself where you are – every rider thinks that they are better than they are, myself included. Hopefully this explanation will help you gain a better understanding of what you need to work on to get to the next level.

-James Wilson-