Show Notes
In our first episode, we kick off Watt Matters with a chat about who we are, how this podcast came together, and what we’re trying to bring to the world of cycling performance and coaching. Nick, Jack, and Dylan talk through how 2025 has unfolded - and the evolving demands of coaching in this modern era. For topic number one, we then dive into how we’re thinking about 2026, and the importance of designing an annual plan based on our athletes' goals. It’s a mix of honest reflections, sport science insight, and the kind of conversation we usually have behind the scenes - this time with mics on. We are super excited to bring this project together. Reach us at - @wattmatterspodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskLdbGVbscqcJSb_s1fQow https://www.pinnacleperformancecc.com/ https://nocsportsscience.com/ 00:00 - Introduction to Watt Matters Podcast 01:36 - Meet the Coaches 04:33 - Changing Dynamics of Coaching: Experiences and Insights 09:14 - 2025 Coaching Highlights and Achievements 17:29 - Planning for 2026: Annual Training Plans and Goals 25:18 - Setting Goals: Performance vs. Process Goals 28:37 - Understanding Athlete Physiology and Performance 30:04 - Athlete Profiling 36:39 - Goal Setting and Performance Modelling 42:09 - Realistic Goal Setting and Training Phases 47:43 - Navigating the Australian Cycling Season 52:59 - The Importance of Communication in Coaching 57:19 - Wrap Up and What's To Come
More from Watt Matters Podcast
Sarah Gigante - From Juniors to the WorldTour 🎙️ In this episode of the Watt Matters Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Gigante to look back at her coaching journey with Pinnacle Performance - from her early years as a developing junior through to racing at WorldTour level. We unpack how Sarah trained and developed early in her career, how that approach evolved as the demands of racing changed, and the progression towards some of her biggest performances at Nationals, Tour Down Under and the Giro. We also talk through the setbacks Sarah has faced along the way, including iliac artery endofibrosis and her current injury, and how she has approached the process of rebuilding and returning to racing each time. A look behind the scenes at the training, development and challenges across Sarah's journey from junior racing to the WorldTour.
In Episode 12, we sit down in Italy with sport scientist, coach, and friend of the podcast, Alice Maggio 🔥.
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