How To Train And Prepare For A Gravel Cycling Event

You might have already entered your first gravel event, or are thinking about one - but is it really any different to a road cycling event? Si and Katherine are here to talk you through how to train and prepare for this growing discipline.

Subscribe to GCN: http://gcn.eu/SubscribeToGCN
Register your interest in the GCN Club: http://gcn.eu/DM
Get exclusive GCN gear in the GCN shop! http://gcn.eu/DN

In association with 3T.

Riding your first gravel event is a bit different to what you might be used to, whether that’s road racing, sportives or your local club run. Endurance, Self-sufficiency and comfort are probably areas that are going to be more important. And Katherine here knows all about it as she’s getting ready for her first big event, the Dirty Kanza.

Yes, so while I work through my training, nutrition and equipment, we thought we’d create a guide for you guys too. Here’s how you get the most out of your first gravel grinder.
As with preparing for any event, the first thing that you need to do is actually choose and enter your event.

How ambitious you’re feeling will depend on what level you’re at already, whether you’ve been riding a few years or relatively new to cycling, or whether it’s a new discipline to you altogether. The usual advice is to start with something manageable and work your way up. If you’re new to road riding you’re unlikely to choose a 5 day stage race for your first participation event and being on gravel is no different.

Training is not just about getting your body in the right shape, but also your head. Giving you the confidence to be able to tackle and enjoy the ride. It is also a great opportunity to run through other really important aspects of the event, like big, kit and nutrition.

Yes, making use of long training rides is the perfect opportunity to test out your kit - remember it’s OK to make all the mistakes here so that you can avoid them on the actual event! You’re likely to have less support on a gravel event than a conventional road race or sportive, especially as they can be quite remote, so being self sufficient is key.

If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 http://gcn.eu/DO

Watch more on GCN...
650B Wheels Off Road with Dan & Si 📹 http://gcn.eu/650bVs700c

Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/

About GCN:

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling

Thanks to our sponsors:

Alta Badia: http://gcn.eu/AltaBadia- // Maratona Dles Dolomites: http://gcn.eu/MaratonaDlesDolomites-
Assos of Switzerland: http://gcn.eu/Assos
KASK helmets: http://gcn.eu/KASK
fi’zi:k shoes and saddles: http://gcn.eu/fizikshoes and http://gcn.eu/fiziksaddles
Topeak tools: http://gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon bikes: http://gcn.eu/-Canyon
Quarq: http://gcn.eu/Quarq
DT Swiss: http://gcn.eu/DtSwiss
Science in Sport: http://gcn.eu/SiS
Orbea bikes: http://gcn.eu/Orbea
Trek Bicycles: http://gcn.eu/-Trek
Vision wheels: http://gcn.eu/Vision
Zipp wheels: http://gcn.eu/Zipp
power2max: http://gcn.eu/power2max
Wahoo Fitness: http://gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: http://gcn.eu/-parktool
Continental tyres: http://gcn.eu/continental-
Camelbak: http://gcn.eu/camelbak-

The GCN Club - http://gcn.eu/club
YouTube Channel - http://gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - http://gcn.eu/gcnFb
Instagram - http://gcn.eu/GCNInsta
Google+ - http://gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter - http://gcn.eu/gcnTW
GMBN Tech - http://gmbn.tech/subscribe
GCN Tech - http://gcntech.co/subscribe
EMBN - http://embn.me/subscribe

Leave us a comment below!