Conquering the Cycling Cramp Curse

Let’s unpack what’s really going on with muscle cramps in cycling.

Here’s the hard truth: science hasn’t cracked the code on exercise-induced cramps. While hydration and electrolytes once took centre stage, modern research is shifting focus. The likely culprit? Neuromuscular fatigue. In plain terms, your muscles are waving a white flag, overwhelmed by the effort.

A familiar story emerges: riders who rarely cramp in training find themselves sidelined during races. Why? Because race day is a different beast—adrenaline, stress, and pushing past your limits can reveal gaps in preparation. Cramps often hit hardest in the final stretch, punishing those who undertrained or overcooked their pacing.

If your legs seize up 5 hours into an event, the problem probably isn’t a missing banana. More likely, it’s an endurance base that wasn’t solid enough for the demands of the day. Building a foundation with long, steady miles is essential for keeping cramps at bay.

Cramps are a brutal but clear reminder: endurance training has no shortcuts. Smart preparation, steady pacing, and a focus on conditioning can keep the “cramp curse” from ruining your ride. Train smarter, pace better, and let your legs go the distance!

For more details, refer to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Join TEAM SEMIPRO for $32 every 4 weeks

Gain access to 53 training plans, 307 structured workouts, TrainingPeaks Premium, and a one-time coach consultation to make every session count.

Learn more

On my mindHow to Trust the Process:

1. Commitment to our daily habits
2. Sacrifice in the short term for a long term gain
3. It’s going to look ugly before it looks awesome
4. Will feel uncomfortable and force you to work on the edge of your capacity
5. Patience— remembering it is not an absence of action; patience is the process in action

Damian