---
aliases: ["Cycling Year in Review 2024"]
Is A: Project
Belongs to: "[[24q4]]"
Advances: "[[responsibility-health-fitness]]"
Status: Done
Owner: "[[person-luca-rossi]]"
---
# Cycling Year in Review 2024

## Overview

This project reviewed the full 2024 cycling season — training volumes, event results, fitness progression, and gear decisions — and used the analysis to plan the 2025 season. The review covered everything from the spring training plan established in [[24q1-plan-cycling-season]] through the two gran fondos and into the autumn detraining period.

The review was conducted in November-December, using data from Strava, TrainingPeaks, and personal notes. It combined quantitative analysis (volume, intensity distribution, power data) with qualitative reflection (what felt good, what caused fatigue, where motivation dipped). The output was both a retrospective document and a set of concrete recommendations for [[25q1-strength-program]] and the 2025 race calendar.

## Goals

- Compile and analyze full-year training data: total distance, climbing, hours, and TSS
- Review performance at both gran fondos (Varese in May, Appennino in September)
- Assess the effectiveness of the polarized training model adopted in Q1
- Identify 3-5 specific areas for improvement in 2025
- Draft a preliminary 2025 season plan including target events and training philosophy adjustments

## Key decisions

- **Add structured strength training for 2025.** The year review revealed that upper body and core fatigue was a limiter on long climbs. Pure cycling volume is not enough — need complementary strength work. This directly led to [[25q1-strength-program]].
- **Target the Stelvio in 2025.** The two 2024 gran fondos were rewarding but relatively conservative choices. For 2025, the stretch goal is the Stelvio — one of cycling's most iconic climbs. This requires a step up in training specificity and altitude preparation. Supports [[2025-ride-stelvio]].
- **Hire a coach for 2025.** Self-coaching worked reasonably well in 2024 (both events completed within targets), but the Stelvio goal requires more sophisticated periodization and real-time plan adjustments. Will look for a coach in Q1.

## Notes

- Full-year numbers: 8,200 km ridden, 98,000m elevation gain, approximately 320 hours on the bike. This was above target (7,500 km) and sustainable — no overtraining symptoms or significant injuries.
- The polarized model (80% easy / 20% hard) was broadly successful, though the actual distribution ended up closer to 75/25 because "easy" rides often crept into moderate territory. Discipline on easy days is something to improve.
- [[person-paco-furiani]] completed the same two events and his season review is a useful comparison point. His higher-volume approach (10,500 km) yielded better absolute results but also led to a knee issue in October. Reinforces the value of sustainability over pure volume.
- The Campagnolo Bora WTO 45 wheels purchased pre-season were the best equipment decision of the year. Noticeable improvement on climbs and crosswind stability. No regrets on prioritizing wheels over frame upgrade.
- [[measure-cycling-km-per-month]] data shows clear seasonal pattern: low in Jan-Feb (800-900km/month), building through Mar-May (1,000-1,200km), peaking in Jun-Aug (1,200-1,400km), and tapering in Sep-Nov. December was deliberately rest-focused (~400km).
- The retrospective feeds directly into [[topic-cycling-training]] notes and sets the direction for 2025 season planning.
