Dave Sanders: The Evolution of Coaching and Performance | Watt Matters

VO2 Max Training | Watt Matters

VO2 Max Training 🎙️In this episode of the Watt Matters Podcast, we unpack VO2 Max training - what VO2 Max actually is, how we test it, and how we prescribe training to improve it 📈. We discuss why MAP can be a poor tool for prescribing VO2 Max intervals, how Critical Power and W′ can be used in relation to VO2 Max training, and the types of sessions we use to target VO2 Max adaptations 🎯 We also touch on why improving VO2 Max isn’t just about doing high intensity intervals, and how other phases of training can still contribute to its development through broader aerobic adaptations. Watch on YouTube 📺Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧 @wattmatterspodcast@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformanceccChapters00:00 - Introduction01:44 - What Is VO2 Max?08:59 - How to Test VO2 Max15:54 - Differences and Practical Implications of MAP & VO2 Max19:56 - Specific Sessions35:00 - VO2 Max Training Blocks and Wrap Up

Tara Neyland: A Journey Into Para-Sport | Watt Matters

Tara Neyland: A Journey Into Para-Sport | Watt MattersIn Episode 9, we sit down with Tara Neyland to discuss her journey into para-sport, the challenges that have come with it, and the lessons she’s learning along the way 🎙️Tara takes us through her journey from a lifelong involvement in sport, to being diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, and the challenging transition into para-sport that followed.While Tara is now a multiple World Champion - claiming titles at the Road and Track World Championships in the road race, time trial, elimination race, scratch race and kilo during an incredible 2025 season - this episode is about far more than medals 🥇. We dive into the emotional realities of classification, identity, self-discovery, resilience, and the mental challenges that came with accepting a new sporting pathway. Tara speaks openly about the highs and lows of her journey, the process of learning track cycling from scratch, and how she is developing the mindset needed to perform on the world stage while managing the ongoing challenges of FSHD. We also explore the realities of life as a para-athlete, misconceptions surrounding para-sport, Tara’s mission within the sport, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey.This is an honest and important conversation that offers a genuine insight into life as an elite para-athlete. Whether you’re involved in cycling, sport, or simply interested in stories of resilience and human performance, there is something valuable to take away from Tara’s experience.Watch on YouTube 📺Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧@wattmatterspodcast@nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecchttps://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/https://nocsportsscience.com/CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction06:13 Tara’s Youth / Journey Into Sport10:11 Tara’s Diagnosis of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)14:00 Classification Process in Para-Sport17:50 Mental Challenges of Transitioning Into Para-Sport32:15 Learning Track Cycling From Scratch44:11 2025 Race Preparation & Focusing on the Controllable49:45 The Positive and Negative Emotions of Winning World Championships56:10 The Future for Tara / 2026 Racing58:00 Listener Questions

Threshold Training | Watt Matters

Threshold Training | Watt Matters In this episode of the Watt Matters Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most talked about concepts in endurance performance  - threshold training. We discuss the physiology behind what “threshold” actually is, why it matters in cycling performance, and how coaches and athletes attempt to identify and train it in the real world. We also dive into the training sessions we use to improve threshold, and the rationale behind how and why they are prescribed. The conversation explores the different ways threshold can be tested, both in the lab and out in the field, and why these methods can often produce different results depending on how they are measured. We talk through why understanding those differences matters, how test interpretation influences training prescription, and why threshold should always be viewed with context rather than treated as a single fixed number. A practical and applied conversation around one of the foundations of endurance coaching and performance. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:57 What Is Threshold? 07:12 Testing Methods for Threshold 17:16 Field Testing and Practical Applications 23:32 Understanding Critical Power and W Prime 26:39 Individualised Training Prescription 31:02 The Importance of Threshold Training 35:44 Riding by Feel vs. Power Metrics Watch on YouTube 📺 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧 @wattmatterspodcast @nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecc https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/ [https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/] https://nocsportsscience.com/

Dave Sanders: The Evolution of Coaching and Performance | Watt Matters

Episode 7 - Dave Sanders: The Evolution of Cycling Coaching and Performance 💥📈 In Episode 7, we sit down with one of the most influential and prolific figures in Australian cycling coaching - Dave Sanders. Dave has spent over 25 years coaching cyclists across Australia and internationally, including time as Head Coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport and working with teams such as Orica–GreenEDGE. Along the way, he has helped shape the careers of generational riders including Cadel Evans, Simon Gerrans, Simon Clarke, and countless other national and international champions. Having raced himself in the 1970s before moving into coaching through the 1980s, 90s, and into the modern era, Dave has remained at the forefront of performance through the rise of sport science, power meters, and modern coaching technology. Few people have witnessed the evolution of cycling and coaching as closely as Dave. In this episode, we dive into how the sport has changed, what principles have stood the test of time, where coaching — and cycling more broadly — may be heading next, and hear some brilliant war stories from decades spent working with athletes across an ever-changing sporting landscape. From old-school training methods to modern sport science, psychology versus physiology, technology’s impact on coaching, and the importance of collaboration - this is a fascinating conversation packed with wisdom, perspective, and great history from one of the most influential Australian cycling coaches of the past three decades.  Watch on YouTube 📺 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧 @wattmatterspodcast @pinnacleperformancecc | @nocsportsscience https://nocsportsscience.com/ https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/ Chapters 00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction  02:00 – 12:00 | Dave’s Track and Road Racing History  12:00 – 20:00 | Change in Cycling - Then vs Now 20:00 – 26:00 | The Future of the Sport 26:00 – 29:00 | How Dave Started Coaching 29:00 – 32:00 | Beginning at the Victorian Institute of Sport 32:00 – 39:00 | Sport Science & Coaching in the 90s / Early 2000s 39:00 – 43:00 | Psychology vs Physiology in Sport 43:00 – 51:00 | Power Meters & Technology in Cycling Coaching 51:00 – 1:04:00 | Dave’s “Common Sense” & Timeless Training Principles 1:04:00 – 1:09:00 | What Has Changed Most Over 25 Years of Coaching? 1:09:00 – 1:13:30 | The Importance of Collaboration 1:13:30 – 1:17:00 | Innovation & The Constantly Changing Landscape 1:17:00 – 1:29:30 | Listener Questions 1:29:30 – 1:33:13 | Wrap Up

Alyssa Polites | Watt Matters

In Episode 6, we sit down with one of Australia’s most exciting road and track cyclists - Alyssa Polites. Alyssa takes us through her journey from a standout junior to signing as a professional at a young age with Team Jayco Alula, and the realities that come with stepping into the WorldTour early. We dive into the challenges of navigating high expectations, setbacks, and the mental demands of elite sport - before shifting into her current phase: a focused rebuild, balancing both track and road with the Australian Cycling Team and Meridian Bikebug Continental Team, while working toward a return to the top level of the sport. With Alyssa coached by Nick over the past 18 months, this episode gives a unique look into both the athlete and coaches perspective - covering training, periodisation, dual-discipline demands, and what it really takes to progress in modern cycling. We also get a clear insight into Alyssa’s values, goals, and advice for young Australian riders coming through the sport. A grounded, honest conversation about performance, pressure, and building back toward the top, from one of Australia's top talents - this episode is not to be missed. Watch on YouTube 📺 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎧 @wattmatterspodcast @nocsportsscience | @pinnacleperformancecc https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/ https://nocsportsscience.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome Back and Summer Reflections 03:20 Introducing Alyssa Polites 04:29 Alyssa's Journey in Cycling 06:45 Transitioning to Professional Cycling 09:45 Overcoming Challenges As A Young Professional 12:09 The Importance of Mental Resilience 18:38 Looking Back On Early Career Learnings 21:00 Coaching Track vs Road 25:29 Recent Achievements and Future Goals 33:23 The Reality of Periodising Training In A Busy Calendar 38:00 The 2026 Season So Far 44:30 Managing Dual Disciplines: Track and Road Cycling 47:45 Future Aspirations / What’s Next? 50:52 Listener Instagram Q+A