I came across this book on Amazon a couple years ago. Like most cyclists, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to improve—whether it’s refining technique, improving power output, or just becoming more confident on different types of terrain. But it wasn’t until I read Tom Danielson’s Cycling on Form that I really started to understand my own strengths as a rider and how to train smarter, not just harder. This book inspired me to reach out to Tom and to become a part of Cinch training program. This was pivotal in preparing me for Master's Nationals.
Finding My Rider Type
One of the first eye-openers in Cycling on Form was Tom’s emphasis on finding your rider type. He even has a test in there. He explains that every cyclist has specific strengths—whether it’s sprinting, climbing, endurance, or time trialing—and that knowing what kind of rider you are is crucial to maximizing your potential.
For me, this was a bit of a revelation. I had always thought that being a well-rounded cyclist meant trying to be good at everything. But with my body size, I learned I had limits. Through the exercises and self-assessment tools in the book, I was able to narrow down my strengths. I discovered that I excel in punchy, short climbs and steady efforts, I was a puncheur/rouleur type. Once I understood my rider type, I started focusing more on what I do best, which not only improved my performance but also made training more enjoyable. I knew that my 5/6 minute power was my strength, and that made me breakaway specialist.
Tom advocates for “riding to your strengths,” which means structuring your training around what you’re good at and fine-tuning your strategy to emphasize those skills during races or long events. This approach has changed the way I think about my goals—it’s no longer about being good at everything but about making my strengths even stronger in that 5/6 min power range, while maintaining balance in other areas.
Power Zones: Training with Precision
Another game-changing concept from the book was the importance of using power zones to guide my training. Tom breaks down how each zone affects your physiology and what kind of adaptations you’re working on within each one. Training with power isn’t just about hitting certain wattages; it’s about understanding how your body responds to different intensities and using that knowledge to improve efficiently.
For example, Tom stresses how important Zone 2 is for building your aerobic base and improving endurance, while also explaining how to use Zones 4 and 5 to increase threshold and power for harder efforts. Cadence shifts, power floors, power ceilings, brake throttling all of the became fundamental to the structured approach to power training.
Surfing the Terrain: Managing Power on the Road
Perhaps one of the most practical pieces of advice from the book was learning how to “surf the terrain” by managing power on different types of roads. This was something I had to learn from him while riding. Tom talks a lot about the importance of understanding the course or terrain you’re riding on, whether it’s flat, rolling hills, or steep climbs and how to smooth your power over it.
What I found most useful was his advice on how to manage power over rolling terrain. Instead of treating every hill like a chance to attack, or hitting the power hard, Toms suggests using a more measured approach—leveraging power output to keep momentum while conserving energy. This meant shifting up with the terrain, changing cadence like your shifting a car. This strategy made a huge difference in how I approached undulating courses. Rather than spiking my power on every hill and then trying to recover on the flats, I began to use my power meter more strategically, staying within my zones and reserving energy for key moments. This “surfing the terrain” concept allowed me to ride more efficiently, saving energy for when it mattered most, and ultimately improving my overall performance on longer rides.
The Big Picture: Riding with Confidence
The biggest takeaway for me was how Cycling on Form changed my mindset. It wasn’t just about technical skills or training plans; it was about understanding the kind of rider I am and using that knowledge to ride with confidence. Tom places a lot of emphasis on mental preparation, and after applying the principles in the book, I found myself going into rides and races with more clarity and focus. Tom even prepared "flow" mindsets sound tracks. Water for zone 2, lighting for zone 5 etc. The mindset and music help you shift your mental state in preparation.
I now approach training with a more specific strategy—riding to my strengths, using power zones to guide my efforts, and managing my power on varied terrain. This approach has made me a more efficient rider, and I’ve seen noticeable improvements in both my performance and recovery.
If you haven’t read Cycling on Form yet, I highly recommend it. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been cycling for years, there’s something valuable in this book for everyone. It’s not just about getting faster or stronger—it’s about becoming a smarter, more self-aware cyclist who knows how to make the most of your time on the bike.
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