Cycling: good exercise for a skier’s summer training

Cycling training
Cycling as a form of training for skiers is a topic that easily divides opinions. Some may even think that cycling is of no use to a skier. Antti Haqgvist disagrees. When done correctly, bike training fits well into the training program of skiers of all levels.

Cycling as a form of training for skiers is a topic that easily divides opinions. Some may even think that cycling is of no use to a skier. Antti Haqgvist disagrees. When done correctly, bike training fits well into the training program of skiers of all levels.

Cycling as a form of training for skiers is a topic that easily divides opinions. Some may even think that cycling is of no use to a skier. Antti Haqgvist disagrees. When done correctly, bike training fits well into the training program of skiers of all levels. Het Antti Hagqvist’s tips.According to Antti Hagqvist, who worked as Risto-Matti Hakola’s coach for a long time and still coaches both competitive and recreational athletes, cycling enables regular long exercises without increasing the risk of stress injuries. In other words, cycling is more gentle on the leg load than, for example, running.

Hagqvist has a few tips for beginner cyclists. The first is to follow the progression, meaning that the number and length of the rides should be increased gradually. So the first ride should not be three hours, but an hour is enough.

Keeping the cadence relatively high is also important, especially for skiers. Then riding is more dynamic and corresponds to the rhythm of running and cross-country skiing. According to Hagqvist, 90-100 rpm (revolutions per minute) is a good reading.

The third key thing is heart rate. The threshold heart rates in cycling are about ten beats lower than in running and skiing.

“If the aerobic threshold is 140 (bpm) for a fitness person, a good rule of thumb is that in cycling it is 135 (bpm). Very few people are aware of that, and then we start to suspect that there is something wrong with my leg strength when after an hour and a half of cycling, I can no longer ride up hills,” says Hagqvist to Maastohiihto.com.

For a skier, a bike is a good friend, especially from the point of view of developing basic endurance. Many prefer cycling as a form of training for long rides.

According to Hagqvist, long bike rides often start too hard, and the mistake may not be realized even after the ride. This is because the power drops, which is not reflected in the heart rate. Monitoring power without a power meter can be tricky.

“Most people start too hard when not everyone has a power meter, and the power drop towards the end. The heart rate may remain steady, and you think that you have run a ride with constant power, but in reality, the power has dropped towards the end. Power should remain flat or increase slightly to maintain a high-quality workout.”

A power meter can be a valuable purchase for those who cycle more.

Gravel is a good option for skiers

According to Hagqvist, the most important thing when buying a new bike is to consider the size and purpose of its use.

“We rarely buy a bike that is too big, but we often see that the group rides a bike that is too small.”

“The purpose of use should also be taken into account. If the bike is for training use, the riding position does not have to be inhumane. You have to find a riding position where you can comfortably spend hours.”

For skiers, Hagqvist recommends a gravel bike that is comfortable to ride on both asphalt and dirt roads. Beginner cyclists, in particular, benefit from practicing the sport on a dirt road in a slightly safer environment.

Especially compared to mountain biking, Hagqvist prefers gravel.

“If a skier only rides off-road, it is physiologically very similar to skiing. There is always a small interval when riding up and down the hills.”

Are you interested in long-distance and traditional cross-country ski training? Click here and read more.

Show sharing buttons

Subscribe to our newsletter

Most read

  • Mental Nygaard
    1

    Mental training makes a champion

    by Teemu Virtanen/André Santos
    29.02.2024
  • training Marit
    1

    Marit Bjørgen’s main training

    by Teemu Virtanen/Katerina Paul
    08.07.2024
  • Vasaloppet Erik
    1

    Final preparations for Vasaloppet

    by ProXCskiing.com
    12.02.2024
  • Methods
    1

    Methods and terminology of ski training

    by Teemu Virtanen/André Santos
    09.04.2024
  • Smutná
    1

    Kateřina Smutná advises on how much to train on roller skis

    by ADÉLA ROČÁRKOVÁ/Leandro Lutz
    11.05.2025

More Articles

  • Lindholm

    Glenn Lindholm takes on Olympic coaching role with Chinese national ski team

    Glenn Lindholm, Sports Director at the Finnish Swedish Ski Association (FSS), will join the Chinese national cross-country ski team as head coach for the 2025/2026 season, leading their Olympic preparations ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026.
    by Leandro Lutz
    20.05.2025
  • Swedish junior national cross-country ski team for season 2025/2026

    by Leandro Lutz
    20.05.2025
  • Johaug to announce future plans next Monday

    by Maja Eriksson/Leandro Lutz
    20.05.2025
  • Get started with roller skis – what you need as a beginner

    by ProXCskiing.com
    19.05.2025
  • Team Edux flies the blue-and-white flag as the only Finnish Pro Team in Ski Classics

    by Teemu Virtanen/Leandro Lutz
    19.05.2025