Darragh Zaidan celebrates winning the Trader’s Cup last month following a superb late attack. The Adamstown CC rider is hoping for some big performances this year with the goal being to break into the international set-up (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Darragh Zaidan is a former Junior Tour of Ireland stage winner so it’s fair to say he’s got a bit of power in the engine.
The Adamstown CC rider has big goals this year both on the road and the track.
He’s a full-time athlete now and is hoping to break his way into the Irish track squad for the various events throughout the summer as well as the UCI World Cups next winter.
He was based in France for a number of years but his time there was beset by injuries and crashes.
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But his motivation is sky-high again and he’s keen to give it his all this year.
Here, he outlines last week’s training load, as prescribed by his coach Kyleigh Manners of 42 Degrees Coaching
- Name: Darragh Zaidan
- Team: Adamstown CC
- Date of birth: 04/01/1993
- Weight & height: 69kg, 173cm
Training goals this time of year
After a strong winter there’s been a shift in emphasis with a focus on specificity for the upcoming races.
General goals for the year
My immediate goals are the Tour of The North as a guest with ‘The Belgian Project’ and I also want to add to my Trader’s Cup win.
Breaking into the international set-up for both road and track is my big ambition for this year.
Zaidan has gone about raising his own funds to compete on the track abroad, having honed his skills on Sundrive Rd in his native Dublin (Photo with thanks to Adamstown CT)
Monday
I normally have a rest day on a Monday with no bike activity.
This allows me recover from the weekend’s racing and frees up time to allow me to honour sponsor administrative work.
Tuesday
Tuesday starts with a pre-breakfast ride to open up the legs, nothing too intense but enough to make sure when I come home I’m ready to refuel for the afternoon session.
Afternoons are normally in the hills with a real focus on climbing.
Zaidan is 22 years old this year so he knows it's a make or break season in terms of making an Irish team, be it road or track (Photo: Marian Lamb - Cycling Ulster)
Wednesday
Once I’ve checked my resting heart rate and had some breakfast it’s time to get the big mileage done.
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Typically I’ll do anything from 4-6 hours with some specific drills thrown in to help the time fly by.
Thursday
I’ll do a pre-breakfast ride again but if the weather isn’t playing ball then I’ll happily pop a DVD in and jump on the rollers.
Once refuelled and rested it’s time for the gym with a few efforts on the bike for good measure.
Friday
I like a light day; especially if I’m racing over the weekend.
I find my coach always prefers me to ride rather than rest to keep everything moving before races.
Friday’s are a real focus on refuelling and staying hydrated; making sure everything is ready for the weekend and avoiding any last-minute situations.
“If you want to be professional, do things professionally,” like Kyleigh will say.
Zaidan celebrates winning a stage of the Gorey Three-Day last year. The Dubliner trains up every day except Monday and twice on both Tuesday and Thursday (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Saturday and Sunday
Depending on the programme it may only be one day but I love to race so I always prefer to be racing on both days.
Nothing beats pinning a number on and waiting for the start.
That’s why I spend all week training; because I love to race my bike and when everything goes right, nothing beats that winning feeling.
Last weekend I raced the Des Hanlon Memorial in Carlow and this was a really savage race.
I wasn't in the front group at the finish but I’m still a bit away from my best.
Hopefully, come the May Bank Holiday weekend I'll be somewhere near my peak.
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