How soldier-cyclists use their military training to become better riders

Military training is all about pushing to the limits of exhaustion while executing life-and-death decisions. Here, battle-ready riders break ranks to share their secrets with Dr Josephine Perry

(Image credit: Mike Prior)

VO2 max test takes us all the way to total exhaustion - in theory. But as soon as we’ve recovered, we find ourselves suspecting that there may have been a little more in the tank. Did we really need to stop? Well, there is one group of riders who never have any such doubts. They know with absolute certainty that they can and will push themselves to true exhaustion. They are military riders - and there is a huge amount we can learn from them.

>>> Subscriptions deals for Cycling Weekly magazine

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1