The Importance of Training Partners in Cycling
Training partners are arguably the most important element in becoming a stronger cyclist. In my opinion, a good training partner is far more important in cycling than a dedicated training plan. So what makes a good training partner, and most importantly why should you ride with cyclists much stronger than you?
Firstly, a good training partner holds you accountable. They should never allow you to skip training, skip intervals, and/or make excuses about training. The best training partners I've ridden with in the past demanded the same high-standards they set for themselves from me. Accountability and showing up for training day-in and day-out is half the battle. A good training partner never lets you skip training no matter how tired the legs are, or how fatigued the body is. Finding training partners, who demand this accountability is invaluable in cycling.
Secondly, I have always believed in training with cyclists that are much stronger than me, and also much more experienced than me. The best training partners are ideally much better cyclists than you! For example, if you surround yourself with world-class cyclists, you will adapt to their habits and approach to cycling. I believe this to be true not only for cycling, but also for almost everything in life. Choosing to surround yourself with exceptional people on and off the bike is one of the best decisions you can make for growth.
Most importantly, good training partners will push you to the limit every single day and also encourage competition. As before-mentioned, cycling is a sport of adaptation. The more training fatigue, load, and stress a cyclist can absorb results in increase performance. In my experience, I have always accumulated the most training stress and fatigue not by riding specific training plans, but rather by simply riding with cyclists far stronger than I am. I reached my best ever fitness level with a 5,8 W/kg FTP whilst training consistently with World Tour cyclists for 5 weeks straight. During these times, I did not change anything but the people I trained with. They demanded the best from me every single day, and as a result I became stronger than I ever had before.
In summary, training partners are in my opinion the most important element for the development of an ambitious cyclist. Training partners are far more important than following a rigid training plan and of course much more important than riding the latest top-end bike on the market. My advice is to always find cyclists stronger than you and more experienced than you.
