Here's how to train the most important muscles (after legs that is) for cycling.
Your bulging quads and razor-cut calves are the envy of your pack, and you start every ride strong. As the ride progresses, though, your hips see-saw in the saddle, your lower back aches, and you slow in corners. The problem? Your core cries uncle long before your legs wear out. Although a cyclist's legs provide the most tangible source of power, the abs and lower back are the vital foundation from which all movement, including the pedal stroke, stems. You can have all the leg strength in the world, but without a stable core you won't be able to use it efficiently. It's like having the body of a Ferrari with a Fiat chassis underneath. What's more, a solid core will help eliminate unnecessary upper-body movement, so that all the energy you produce is delivered into a smooth pedal stroke. Sadly, cycling's tripod position, in which the saddle, pedals and handlebar support your weight, relies on core strength but doesn't build it. To develop your high performance chassis, try this intense routine. It takes only about 10 minutes to complete and focuses on the transverse abdominus, the innermost abdominal muscle, which acts as a stabilising girdle around your torso, and also on your lower back, obliques, glutes, hamstrings and hip flexors, so your entire core - and then some - becomes strong and works as a unit. You'll notice that it skips the rectus abdominus, or six-pack muscle, because it's the least functional muscle for cycling.
