Anyone who's ever ridden a road bike over cobblestones knows: it's no walk in the park. It jolts, it shakes—and sometimes it really hurts. But it's precisely this challenge that makes it so appealing. It's not just classics like Paris-Roubaix that are notorious for their "cobblestone" sections—they're also almost impossible to avoid in many old towns, on country paths, or during training.

When you think of the Tour de France, images of glorious victors, thrilling sprint duels, and triumphant finishes on the Champs-Élysées immediately come to mind. The Tour de France is the toughest cycling race in the world. Everyone talks about the yellow jersey. But there is another symbol with great charisma: the " red lantern " – the last rider in the overall standings. And this is where heroism begins, too.

What does your heart tell you about your readiness to train? In this article, coach Björn Kafka explains what heart rate variability (HRV) is all about – and why it's a real game-changer for road cyclists when it comes to training control and recovery. It's understandable, practical, and includes concrete tips for implementation.

When you watch professional road cyclists in major tours like the Tour de France, the question inevitably arises: How do they actually manage their "business" during a race that lasts several hours? While these pros are fighting for seconds in their jerseys, there's hardly any time for biological breaks. But even amateur cyclists know the challenge of an overactive bladder during a long bike ride.

Proper nutrition is far more than just an accessory for road cyclists. It's the fuel, the maintenance, and the repair service all in one. Riding long and intensely puts demands on your body on multiple levels — muscles, digestion, immune system, and nerves. This makes it all the more important to supply your body not just with calories, but with high-quality, functional nutrients.

You've bought a triathlon bike or are currently considering buying one – and now you're wondering: How do you actually train properly with it? After all, you don't just want to rack up the miles, you want to become more efficient. Especially as a triathlon beginner, the cycling section can be the most challenging part of the discipline – simply because of the duration and technique.

Sprinting is a blend of technique, strength, and tactics. Through targeted training and a conscious race strategy, you can significantly improve your sprinting performance. So, get on your bike and work on your explosive acceleration – maybe you'll become the next sprinting king in the peloton!

Correctly using your heart rate zones can make your road cycling training more effective and structured. Whether it's basic training, threshold power, or VO2 max – every zone has its place in your training plan. Knowing your heart rate and training specifically can sustainably improve your cycling performance.

Anyone who rides a road bike knows: Without energy, there's no speed. And anyone who rides for more than 90 minutes quickly realizes how crucial proper fueling is — that is, targeted energy intake before, during, and after the ride. But what does "proper" mean? What's best to eat before a race or a long ride? Which gels, bars, or drinks make sense while on the road? And what does optimal recovery look like?