Year of the comeback SET YOUR GOALS FOR 2022

Omicron is powerless against our optimism – we’re forecasting 2022 to be a blessed return to cycling normality! So it’s time to set some momentous, motivating goals. Deena Blacking explains how

- Deena Blacking

Welcome to 2022. Yes, this is the first Cycling Weekly of the new year. Whether or not you buy into setting new year’s resolutions, you can’t get away from the fact that this is the time of year when cyclists set new goals – and with good reason.

Goal-setting is a common trait among the best performers across all sports. The Christmas break provided a chance to switch off and relax. Before you get back into the full swing of work and training, now is the time to make the most of the mental and physical pause in our usual routines. Whether you are aiming for the Olympics or just starting out, now is the perfect time to set goals for 2022.

We spoke to two highly respected cycling coaches and proven goal-hitters, former pro rider Russell Hampton and Laura Gallardo (laucycle.com), to go through the process in detail: the why, how and what of goal-setting. From stepping stones to skipping pints, read on for the know-how and inspiration to lay plans for your best season yet. ba

Why set goals?

Speak to any pro cyclist and they always have goals. In fact, retired pros often struggle with no longer having those solid objectives, which are much more tangible and controllable than the rest of reality. It’s what makes our amateur sport endeavours so appealing too – you pick a target, you train towards it, you deliver the result.