How I train: Geraint Thomas, cyclist

How is your training structured?

During the off season we generally train in four day blocks – three long training days followed by an easy day on the fourth day. We can do anything up to about 35 to 37 hours training a week. During the season it is based around my racing. So we don’t train too much – it is mainly active recovery with a few efforts to stay ‘active’.
Do you do much off-bike training?

I do some core work and some stretching but it is mainly on the bike stuff. During my off season I try to walk a bit to help burn off some of the excesses!

How important is weight loss/ management?

It’s really crucial for stage races, especially the grand tours, when you can be climbing for a couple of hours a day. The more energy you can save in the early part of these races the better, so weight is important. The one day, classic races at the start of the year – not so much.

So when you let yourself go, what do you indulge in?
It’s important to reward yourself sometimes! My treat is a pizza with a glass of wine, finished off with gelato or some Russian Fudge yoghurt How much attention do you pay to your diet?

I go through cycles really… In the build up to the tour I get pretty obsessed by it. But as soon as the tour is done I let myself go, have a blow out and then start again, in the build up to the world championships.

You famously rode the Tour with a broken pelvis. How did you handle that pain?

It was mainly mental really. I just really wanted to finish and be there with the boys. I could feel it improving, mobility wise, each day which kept my morale high

Any tips for me to conquer my fear of downhills?

Don’t think about it too much! Brake before bends, but not actually in them. But just try to relax, really.

Geraint Thomas has teamed up with gourmet yoghurt brand The Collective to launch a special Crème Brûlée limited edition thecollectivedairy.com

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