Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, trying to balance life, work, and your passion for cycling? Well, let me tell you about my week – it might just give you the push you need to kick things up a notch.

Last week was a bit of a letdown. You know how it goes – travel throws a wrench in your routine, and suddenly you're looking at a low mileage week. But this week? This week was different.

I hit the ground running (or should I say, pedalling?) and racked up an impressive 103 miles and 6 hours 30 minutes on the bike. How's that for making up lost time?

And let me tell you, I'm feeling stronger than ever as I gear up for my upcoming Mallorca cycling trip.

But here's where it gets really exciting. This weekend, I decided to tackle the bigger Zwift Loop. And guess what? I smashed it! Not only did I hit a new FTP of 240 watts, but I also shaved over a minute off my epic KOM PB. That was a real confidence booster for me.

Now, you might be wondering, how did I manage such a turnaround? Well, here's the secret sauce: protein.

As a 42-year-old cyclist, I've learned that maintaining muscle mass is crucial. And one of the best ways to do that? Making sure you're getting enough protein. We're talking optimal intake of 1.5 to 2 grams per kilo of body weight.

For me, at 68 kilos, that means aiming for about 130 grams of protein per day. At first, I wasn't sure I'd be able to hit that number consistently. But let me tell you, it's been a game-changer.

I started adding more protein powder to my porridge and snacks, throwing in extra edamame beans, and upping my oily fish intake. And you know what?

I felt the difference almost immediately. My legs felt stronger, even on my commute home. Plus, with all the training I'm doing, those extra calories were definitely welcome.

But here's the real kicker – I didn't neglect my strength training. I still got in my two weight sessions because strength off the bike is just as important as time on it. And let me tell you, the combination of increased protein intake and consistent strength training? It's like unlocking a whole new level of cycling performance.

So, what's the takeaway here? If you're looking to boost your cycling performance, recover faster, and build lean muscle, it might be time to take a closer look at your protein intake.

Are you getting enough? It could be the missing piece in your training puzzle.

How much protein do you get in a day? Do you find it tough to hit your targets?

I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

Now, if you're feeling inspired and want to take your cycling journey to the next level, I've got something special for you. The Cycle Lean Collective is a community of passionate cyclists just like you, all working together to achieve their fitness and performance goals.

Want to learn more about optimizing your nutrition, training smarter, and connecting with like-minded cyclists? Then you need to check out the Cycle Lean Collective. It's where I've found some of my best cycling tips and made some great connections.

Ready to shift gears and accelerate your cycling journey?

Click here to learn more about the Cycle Lean Collective.

Trust me, your future self (and your quads) will thank you!

Neil

P.S. Don't forget to fuel up with protein before your next ride. Your muscles will thank you!