BEWARE THE 3E’s

By Coach Steve

I would like to discuss what I refer to as the 3 E’s.  The 3 E’s are exposure, equipment and elitism.  Poor choices in these areas have been the undoing of many fine riders..  Here they are in detail.

EXPOSURE – Any outside and preventable influence that works against the successful completion of a goal. This could be:

• Improper training – This is probably the number one cause of a cyclist’s failure. Every time you throw a leg over the top tube have a plan and stick to it. Don’t take risks. What may seem glorious may also be your undoing. Don’t let someone else not interested in the achievement of your goals decide what you will do. . . ever.
• Overtraining – More is not always better. In a well thought out training program rest should be one of the cornerstones. There should always be consideration as to the effect today’s training will have on the training of tomorrow, next week, next cycle and the achievement of your goal.
• Dressing improperly – Look like a champion, feel like a champion, be a champion. Appearance is part of executing perfection. Look good. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Illness or injury could have a
• detrimental effect on your training and attainment of your goals.
• Inappropriate diet – You are what you eat. Eat junk, well . . . ? Eat a well balanced diet of non-processed food and lots of it. You’re an endurance machine and you are burning it up. Don’t deprive yourself. Never experiment with what you are eating or drinking on or before race day. And, don’t accept anything to eat or drink from another rider or coach. You are responsible for what you consume. Just ask Floyd Landis.
• Stress – Family, friends, school and work can all be a source of stress.  To a certain extent, you have control over these areas. Do what you can to minimize stress outside the sport. You can not avoid the stress of training and the higher level you aspire to, the greater the stress. So, again, minimize stress where you can.
• Punctuality – This is the characteristic of being able to complete a required task or fulfill an obligation before or at a previously designated time. Practice makes perfect and if you aren’t on time for training you won’t be on race day, either.
• Poor planning – This goes for all aspects of racing and, yes, training.  Always have clothing and equipment clean, in good repair and ready for use under extreme conditions. Never assume that something will be “okay”. Be sure it is prepared as perfectly as you are.
• Adrenaline spikes – On race day it is of paramount importance that you avoid adrenaline spikes. Every heartbeat counts, so don’t waste them watching someone else race. Trust me, you are not that cool that you
• can watch your friend race and not get “caught up”. That’s a waste of adrenaline and saps your strength.

Always consider how whatever you are doing will lead to the achievement of your goal and limit exopsure to factors that won’t.

EQUIPMENT – Equipment is responsible for a very small fraction of a rider’s success. Super light, “state-of-the-art” equipment is more often the cause of a rider’s failure. Understand, Lance Armstrong is paid to ride what he rides.     If it breaks he has a follow car or a teammate who will give him his bike. Truth is Lance Armstrong could probably have won the Tour de France on a Huffy, because he has developed a superior engine. That is what won seven TdF’s, not his equipment.

Selection of appropriate equipment is of paramount importance. Will it stand up to the rigors of everyday training? Will it perform flawlessly under the stress of competition? Will you have to worry about it? Ask the most successful riders you know for guidance and resist falling prey to the latest gimmicks and fantastic claims. The bicycle is quite a simple and durable piece of equipment. Keep it that way.

Trust and put your faith in perfect training and preparation and not a super light tire or wheelset.

ELITISM – Confucious says, “It’s better to excel by winning races than to upgrade before your time.” Elitism is not only the trait of the arrogant rider no one likes, it is a “quality” found in many likable riders, as well. That quality is the desire to prove progress in the sport by virtue of the licensing system of USA Cycling. While you may be able to upgrade it may not always be in your best interests to do so. Our sport has enough Category 2 pack fodder and very few  winners. Pack fodder riders are those who never won an important race in their previous category, but convinced the officials to upgrade their license, anyway.  This is no way to upgrade, as most of these riders will disappear into obscurity. The only time a rider should upgrade is when their competitors and the officials are demanding they do so. If you are a Junior rider make those races the most important on your calendar. You will be a category rider forever, but a Junior for only a couple of years.

Use your age and the licensing system to your benefit and learn to win races before upgrading. Trust me, it’s a whole lot more fun saying you won then giving ten reasons why you didn’t..