Joe Friel's High-Performance Cyclist: The Complete Training Manual

by Joe Friel

Overview

'A must read … High Performance is a mindset, not a pay check' - Andrew Pruitt, EdD

'Joe Friel is one of the world's foremost experts on endurance sports' – Outside magazine

TAKE YOUR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND FIND YOUR PEAK PERFORMANCE

Joe Friel is a legend in endurance sport coaching and the bestselling author of some of the world's most celebrated cycling manuals. Full of exciting, refreshing and sometimes surprising ideas on high-performance training, this book represents the most complete and up-to date expression of Joe's coaching philosophy.

Being a high-performance cyclist is challenging, but it doesn't need to be complicated. Focusing on you and your individual goals, this essential guide considers your training history, lifestyle and current physical and psychological condition to see how prepared you are for a journey to peak performance.

With Joe as your coach, you can construct a bespoke plan to reach your level of high-performance and measure your progress on the way. Along with the latest advice on nutrition, sports psychology, bike ergonomics and more, Joe and his High-Performance team will help you to:

- Build aerobic endurance, muscular power and a tenacious mindset – whatever your goal

- Demystify intensity, set your training zones and create your specific workout routine

- Understand how rest and recovery are critical to your success.

Engaging and encouraging, this is the ultimate manual for you to make the most of your training and maximize your cycling performance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399418508
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	09/30/2025
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Joe Friel has a Master's degree in exercise science and has trained endurance athletes from novice to national champion to Olympian. As an age-group competitor, Joe has been a Colorado State Masters Triathlon champion and a perennial USA Triathlon All-American duathlete. He is the author of several training books, offers clinics for athletes and coaches, and consults with national sport federations. He is the cofounder of TrainingPeaks.com and TrainingBible Coaching. @jfriel / joefrieltraining.com

Table of Contents

Prologue: What Is High Performance?

Introduction: Your New Coach

1. Getting Started

2. 2 High-Performance Details

3. Your Training

4. The High-Performance Mindset

5. Your Annual Training Plan

6. Day-to-Day Details

7. Your Diet for Training and Racing

8. Dealing with Difficulties

9. Race Day

Epilogue: Putting It All Together

Glossary

References

Acknowledgements

Editorial Reviews

Once again Joe Friel has captured the latest training and coaching science in his new book Joe Friel's High-Performance Cyclist. I truly enjoyed it and it should be a must read for coaches and self-coached athletes! High Performance is a mind-set, not a paycheck!” —Andrew Pruitt, EdD Sports Medicine and Cycling Science Pioneer

“No matter your natural talent, you need to understand and implement the concepts in this book in order to be successful at a high level in cycling.” —Kendra Wenzel, professional cyclist and coach

“A book you'll come back to again and again on your journey to being a high-performance cyclist. Every time you'll find new wisdoms from one of the greatest cycling coaches of all time.” —Trevor Connor, cyclist and CEO of Fast Talk Labs

“Joe Friel blends science, strategy, and real-world stories to create a personalized roadmap for every rider. Whether you're chasing a podium or chasing your best ride, High-Performance Cyclist will help you train with purpose, ride with confidence, and love the journey. This book is a must-have for anyone looking to be a stronger, smarter, and happier cyclist. Fast is fun and fun is fast!” —Alison Tetrick, Professional Cyclist & Human Performance Consultant

“Joe Friel delivers another must-have book for aspiring cyclists of all abilities.” —Alan Murchison, The Cycling Chef

“Joe Friel's High-Performance Cyclist maybe his most approachable and personal book in his already esteemed catalogue. Still chocked full of applicable, evidence-based science but also imbued with the momentum of real-world and real-life narrative that keeps the pages clicking over till the end. … an impressively high-bar!” —Phil Cavell, author of The Midlife Cyclist

“Joe Friel is one of the world's foremost experts on endurance sports.” —Outside magazine

“Joe Friel is arguably the most experienced personal cycling coach in the U.S.” —Bicycling magazine

“To say that Joe Friel knows a thing or two about how to ride a bicycle and stay fast would be a severe understatement. ” —Road Bike Action

From the Publisher