For some of us, early October is a time to give the bike a well-earned rest after a hectic season.
Research has shown that taking a break is the best way to recharge the body and mind in advance of training for the new season.
With this in mind, we asked a few of the country's best cyclists what they do in the off-season.
We discovered quite a variation in their off-season habits, from farm work to no break at all!
Matt Teggart
Club: TBC
Category: A1
Age: 19
When did you stop training? When I flew home from France and finished my season about the first week in September.
When will you start training? I normally start around the middle of November.
What things do you like to do in the off-season? I do very little on the bike and keep fit in other ways like a bit of running, swimming and gym stuff. I usually try to get a night out with all my mates for a catch up after the year abroad.
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Bryan McCrystal
Club: Team ASEA
Category: A1
Age: 34
When did you stop training? After the Barcelona Ironman two weeks ago I took 3/4 days off but I like active rest so easy days are generally very, very easy. When training doesn't become a chore it's easy to get out.
When will you start training? I don't really take a huge block off but structured training would start after Christmas. That's not to say I don't train beforehand, I do but it's with little thought and I feel I'm experienced enough to Know what works.
What things do you like to do in the off-season? It's good to have mental rest as well as a physical one. Diet remains the same; 80% good allowing for 20% bad. I'm busy constantly with coaching and family life so spending time getting out at the weekends with them is great.
Sean McIntyre
Club: Caldwell Cycles
Category: A1
When did you stop training? I don’t. I really enjoy training.
When will you start training? I actually just started running a few weeks ago and did my first Duathlon 26 Extreme ‘The Wall Duathlon’ there on the 10th of October. I ran pretty good at it and will do some 10K’s and cross country running over the winter for fun. I kind of want to start swimming again.
What things do you like to do in the off-season? I just keep doing the things I enjoy doing and with no races there is a bit more time for things like mountain biking bike riding with friends and the usual messing about on the farm at home.
Simon Tuomey
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Club: Cork Giant
Category: 1st year U23
Age: 17
When did you stop training? I stopped after the World Championships 4 weeks ago and I haven't cycled since.
When will you start training? I'll probably start back training this week.
What things do you like to do in the off-season? The main thing I've been doing for the last 3 weeks was eating all the food I didn't eat during the season, but I want to do more MTB while I have time too. I've had a complete mental and physical break so I'm really eager to start back cycling again.
Dion McCarthy
Club: Zanatta-Lotto
Category: Second year junior
Age: 16
When did you stop training? I normally stop racing at the start of September when I go back to school.
When will you start training? I normally start back training around the middle of October or just towards the start of November.
What things do you like to do in the off-season? I like to sleep a lot in the off-season, especially the first few Sunday mornings. I like to do boxing, gym and soccer training as well. I spend a lot of time catching up with friends and family too. I like spending time with my baby brother and girlfriend too.
Robin Kelly
Club: Waterford Racing Team
Category: A1
Age: 37
When did you stop training? I stopped after the Laragh Classic on September 13th.
When will you start training? I’m back training with two weeks.
What things do you like to do in the off-season? Have a few nights out and catch up on anything I put aside during the season…
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