Mind Over Matter | Is Cycling Form All In Your Head?

You've heard it all before: Your mate is on top form; absolutely flying on the bike! Then, next week, they're suddenly cycling slower than a broken down bus - their form has suddenly disappeared. So that begs the question is form physical or mental? In this video, Conor and Hank investigate whether you can think yourself faster and dive into the topic of whether form is in your head or your legs.

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What's your mantra?

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Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
ES_I'll Never Die (Instrumental Version) - Daniel Gunnarsson (1).mp3

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[-Bonobo-]

I think that I have a 400W FTP, therefore I do have a 400W FTP, thanks guys.

[mrmorgs]

When Connor talks we listen. His advice really is head and shoulders above everybody else's

[tupolev]

That shot with James in frame and Connors head out of frame while talking, lol

[jbratt]

I thought this might break into a Monty Python skit at some point.

[jackriley]

These two walking next to each other 😂 GCN needs to talk to Tom Cruise's manager and get some of those hidden heal shoes

[chemistry]

"Form is both physical and mental" a random cyclist .


great content as always

[wj]

still waiting for Ollie's hour record video!

[ericwilkins]

the marines say your “inner voice” will tell you that you are at your limit when you are at about 40% of your real limit.

[alpcen]

Tips to mentally succeed:
- regularly talk to your bike;
- wear your fav. team jersey as part of your pyjamas ensemble:
- have a large picture of your fav. rider winning at the end of your bed;
- eat only breakfast cereal that is endorsed by top athletes;

[andreopouloscoaching]

Definitely both are important. Mental part, for me, is on the top of the list.

[mazafhakar]

Physical takes you to X.
Mental takes you from there.

[benbwaite]

Ye it's part mental but when someone drops some watt bombs and you physically can't follow it's game over.

[rjsulzbach]

Thanks James and Connor for the “pointers” in your togas! 😂

[TWROC]

This was an excellent topic and very well presented combining humor, experience, and research. The part with the sports psychologist was very meaningful, and Hank and Conor rocked the togas and socks look. Thanks guys.

[_Digitalnative]

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a Hungarian-American psychologist, popularized the concept of “flow” as a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity. Distance runners have adopted this for both training and racing. It's probably too dangerous to "zone out" in a peloton but it could be used in a breakaway and certainly during transcontinental races.

[danielneves]

Conor Dunne is doing fine as the new presenter. He is a great addition to the GCN team considering his pro tour background, knowledge and riding skill. I read a comment here saying he was bad, which I disagree, but considering he never worked as a presenter, it's normal. He will improve. And mind you, Conor hold 440w during 46min in that Ollie video - just freakishly strong. There is a wide variety of things GCN can make videos with him and even re-doing videos of old topics, like Taiwan KOM, Granfondos, special challenges and others. Good video.

[inspiredtotired]

0:40 Someone is excited about presenting the video today.
Si's "manly" chest hair makes a tribute appearance too on the guys togas.

[ghosthogday]

My mantra-
"Every hill has a (downside)🚲"

[noice]

Being that I'm in my early 50's and able to out-climb, out-sprint, and maintain more speed and power going into a consistent headwind than most of the guys who ride in a local racing club and are in their 20's, 30's and above, I think I've got a few good bits of advice to share here. Mind over matter is definitely real. As long as you're properly and completely prepared for the task, you can maximize your potential and feel good about it, no need to be like others who are suffering and too hard on themselves. You know it's going to be very challenging and physically demanding - not mentally painful - sorry, I don't see this as suffering; it's something I'm willfully putting myself through and no one is forcing me. I learn as much as I can about the technical skills so I can then listen to my body and use the full power of positivity to nurture every last drop of energy I can muster - and then reward myself with more positive thinking on the recovery phase so I can enjoy pushing hard again. What can you use for positive thinking or a distraction from going negative? I think that's very personal. I use a couple of visualization techniques where I remember all of the things that went into prepping for the ride and how much I was looking forward to it, reminding myself it's as much about the whole process as the result. I reward myself with positive thoughts about how much of a result I'm producing and how in some ways it's even better than I expected. I use my inner will for feedback, not how fast I'm going, or even worse, how fast I wish I were going ... That's what the other guys do, and I'm pretty sure it's their downfall, leading to earlier failure than need be, and self-punishment : ( No, I do not have a bike computer of any kind. I ride a fixed gear track bike on the road with a 50x14 to maintain great speed on the flats and push up and over long grades. Most people don't know how I do it and wonder where the motor is hidden Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but when you're strong, lean, determined, inspired with a good playlist, it's amazing what you can do! While other guys will remember a negative experience of how they fell behind at so many watts, etc., etc., and now they need to surpass that benchmark or they're losers, instead, I remember how I well I did and how I will go even faster next time, which means I'll have to wait even longer for the others to catch up; and they are either a bit pissed/jealous or are amazed and inspired by what's possible, with compliments like "nice kick on that climb", or "wow, how'd you just pull away like that?" : ) I know I might sound arrogant here, but believe me, I'm really humble on the road and encourage others to be inspired ... To love the whole experience, to expect and demand their best, but go easy on themselves when things don't work out as planned, to see every opportunity as a learning experience no matter the outcome, and don't waste energy on self-blame or frustration. How you experience life is a representation of what you believe about it! Love yourself and others and bring out the best - it's always possible. When I'm dropped by someone who's got a bigger FTP, I'm inspired and want to learn more. And besides, there's always someone who's faster even on your best, best day. No, I don't race. I don't like crashes, being boxed-in and unable to pass, and I'm not a fan of spending so much energy watching out for everyone else. Also, I like to battle the elements on my own. Maybe that's why I have more staying power in tough conditions. I once heard the saying: "The body believes what the mind conceives." There seems to be some truth in there. I have deep respect for all that goes into every ride and so much gratitude for ability and desire to do it. Stay inspired, leave nothing unprepared, ride safe and be your best!

[richaw]

Top vid.. really useful, great debate, engaging presentation.. Conor is a natural and Hanks turning into an actor! Starting in my playlist now.. 👊🏻