FITNESS AUTHOR
AFM Team
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sean Berry/Red Bull Content Pool
ATHLETE
Spotlight
COLIN STRICKLAND n AFM speaks with professional
cyclist Colin Strickland to talk all things biking, staying in shape and more.
I
n 2017, Colin Strickland placed first at Gravel Worlds. In 2018, he placed first at Bike the Bricks and first again at the Gravel Worlds. In 2019, Strickland placed first at The Rift Gravel Race in Iceland and first place at Dirty Kanza. In 2020, he placed second at The Mid South 100. It’s safe to say Strickland has raced his way to the top, and this month, we get to speak with him about his training prep, nutrition and mental toughness.
It all ends up being pretty physically taxing, and I don’t see a need to go to a gym. I also incorporate some purpose-driven strength training exercises for endurance. AFM: What does day-to-day nutrition look like for you? STRICKLAND: [I] stick to nutrient-dense foods my body can process to replenish after long rides. I will eat red meats on an as-needed basis, but I usually eat veggie-heavy. During a long training ride, an ice cold Red Bull at a gas station in the middle of nowhere is the savior to getting me home after a 90- to 130-mile ride.
AFM: How did you originally get into gravel racing? STRICKLAND: You could joke that it was riding out to the mailbox as kids, but I rode some local races in Texas that suited my physiology, and I won back to back Gravel Worlds in 2017-2018.
AFM: Gravel racing vs. road racing — which do you prefer? STRICKLAND: I love the craft of road racing, but gravel is a great fit for me and I get to experience the bike in a different way.
AFM: Outside of biking, how do you stay in shape and maintain your endurance? STRICKLAND: I work on projects around my house, including landscaping, renovations, mechanic work.
AUGUST 2021
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