For What It's Worth

Nine pros share hard-won wisdom from years of racing.

Getting—and giving—advice can be a touchy thing, especially when you're not seeking it (thanks, but I already know not to wear panties under my spandex). Sometimes, though, there's that one suggestion that sticks with you forever and changes who you are on a bike, even if you don't remember who threw it your way.


"Sunblock, then chamois cream. And only in that order." —Cath Cheatley, Colavita/Baci Women's Pro Cycling Team


"Chrissy Sassin, one of the top female adventure racers of all time, told me when I was starting out as a multisport endurance racer, 'In endurance events, no matter how good you feel or how bad you feel, it will not last.' That has stuck with me for 15 years of racing." —Rebecca Rusch, endurance racer, three-time 24-hour solo mountain bike world champion


"When I was eight years old and first started racing, a friend and coach, Ed Smolinski, told me to always focus on the three Cs: concentration, (having a strong) constitution, and (thinking like a) champion. If I could add two Ps to the Cs, they'd be patience and persistence." —Michael Barry, Team Sky Pro Cycling


"I have two favorites: 'Be patient. It will take years to reach your potential in cycling' and 'You can still win a race even if your legs don't feel good.'" —Kelly Benjamin, Colavita/Baci Women's Pro Cycling Team


"In a criterium, always shift into an easier gear before the corners." —Jessica Phillips, Colavita/Baci Women's Pro Cycling Team


"Three-time U.S. national road champion Fred Rodriguez told me, 'As a sprinter, if you redline the climbs and pop, your day will end quickly. You have to climb below your redline, so when you reach the summit, you have the energy to jump across any gaps created on the ascent.'"—Theresa Cliff-Ryan, Colavita/Baci Women's Pro Cycling Team


"You don't win races comparing training diaries." —Heather Logan-Sprenger, Colavita/Baci Women's Pro Cycling Team


"Our team motto, which came from our sports psychologist, Dr. Jason Galea, is: 'Respect all. Fear none.' My own personal advice: Always feel good about what you're doing and don't focus on your ego." —Jeremy Powers, Jelly Belly Cycling Team presented by Kenda


"The total miles or hours you train every week isn't what makes you better. It's what's in those miles that really counts. Why train 30 hours if you can get more out of 15 quality ones?" —Rory Sutherland, United Healthcare Pro Cycling presented by Maxxis

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