18
Aug

Elinor Barker MBE – gives Matrix her top 5 training tips

Accomplished road cyclist, Elinor Barker MBE has had track success, with wins at the World, European and National Junior Road World Time Trial championships in cycling.

Elinor’s sporting career highlights include:

  • Team Pursuit – World Champion
  • Team Pursuit – European Champion
  • Time Trial – Junior World Champion
  • Junior Sportswoman of the Year – 2012 BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year Awards
  • Won Great Britain’s second gold of the Track Cycling World Championships in Hong Kong with victory in the women’s 25km points race.

Here are Elinor’s top 5 training tips:

1. Make it easy for yourself.
It can be hard to train when travelling due to the amount of kit required. It’s also hard to motivate yourself to go out when it’s pouring with rain or freezing cold. Therefore, I’m not afraid to train inside if needed. I can jump on the turbo or as I am lucky enough to have a static Matrix bike which I keep at my parent’s house, I can train whenever I am at home in Cardiff.
2. Cross train.
Don’t forget strength & conditioning. I train in the gym around twice a week which compliments my training on the bike. It’s nice to be able to use the same equipment consistently, even if I’m travelling around. Matrix supply gyms all over the country so I know wherever I am in the UK I’ll be able to find a gym with the equipment I’m familiar with.
3. Nutrition.
I’ve taken the time to learn what works for me – when I eat certain foods it affects how good I feel on the bike (or not!) What works for me might not work for everyone but make sure you don’t try anything new on a race day.
4. Sleep & rest.
This is such an undervalued and important part of training. Your body needs to recover between training sessions to get the best out of yourself and avoid injury and illness so this needs to be built into your training plan as much as each session in the gym or on the bike.
5. Kit.
You don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds on the newest fancy clothing but make sure you are comfortable and prepared for whatever the weather. The Matrix team kit makes sure we’re not only comfortable but the designs look good which make you feel good on your bike too.
Read more about Elinor and Matrix Fitness’s other ambassadors here.