Even the strongest warriors need rest. As the experts at the Mapei Sport Research Centre have already explained on several occasions, rest is an integral part of training, and this applies among others to cyclists, who are advised to take a healthy ‘break’ in these weeks.

«Professionals take a break at the end of the season, which is indispensable for recharging both physical and mental energy. Why shouldn’t amateurs do the same? Don’t be in a hurry to start up again, enjoy the upcoming holidays, then you will have plenty of time to get back into shape» recommends Olgiate Olona (Varese, Italy) centre cycling manager Andrea Morelli in the last episode of the year of Cubetti di Sapere.

«Take advantage of this period to focus on your bike, devote the right maintenance to it and, if you find a new one under the Christmas tree, give yourself time to adapt to the necessary bike fitting changes – continues the trainer, who followed Cadel Evans to the conquest of the Tour de France and is still alongside many champions. – So start again with a structured training plan, and during the winter work on core and mobility to reduce any weak points and improve those aspects that you don’t have time to perfect during the competitive period. To combat the cold temperatures, I advise road cyclists to dabble in other disciplines such as mountain biking or cyclo-cross, running or skiing».