Preseason Preparation for EnduroCross: Setting the Stage for Success
As the EnduroCross season approaches, excitement builds for both riders and fans. For competitors, however, the months leading up to the first race are critical. Preseason preparation is where championships are forged, and a strong foundation is built through careful planning, focused training, and mental fortitude. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how I approach my preseason, covering training structure, bike setup, mindset, and endurance. Let’s dive into the grind that sets the stage for race day success!
It is currently the week before round one of the Endurocross series. This will be my 16th season pursuing the series.
I will be writing race reports here on my website, along with filming a 5 Episode Youtube series released weekly. Each episode will focus on different elements of the sport.
My goal is to share my learnings and experiences with you as I pursue the series.
As you may know, I signed with Beta USA back in May. I decided to ride the 300RR two stroke this year. It is a proven motorcycle and I love the power and lightweight chassis of the two stroke. I’ve raced 4 strokes and 2 strokes throughout my career, they both have positives and negatives. The bike has been solid since we built it in July.
1. Training Structure: Balance of Skills and Strength
EnduroCross demands a combination of technical ability, strength, and cardio fitness, so I design my training to hit all three aspects. Here’s a look at my typical week during the preseason:
Foundational Endurance(3-4 days/week) - I spend a lot of time in the early preseason developing my foundational base of Endurance. Whether it's trail riding, mountain biking, or running, cardio is essential. I aim for at least 60-120 minutes of sustained effort per session to mimic the heart-pounding intensity of race conditions.
Interval Training: Building stamina is also about training the body to recover quickly between bursts of high effort. I include interval training in my routine, combining sprints or hard efforts with active recovery. This trains my body to quickly lower my heart rate and recover after clearing a tough section.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions help with explosive bursts of energy for when the race demands a quick sprint through difficult obstacles. I implement sprints and reduce overall training volume as I get closer to the season opener.
Nutrition and Recovery: Endurance isn't just built on the bike—it's also about what happens off it. I pay close attention to my nutrition, especially focusing on high-quality carbs, proteins, and fats to fuel my long training sessions. Recovery is key, too, so I make sure to get plenty of sleep and use techniques like stretching, foam rolling, and cold therapy to stay injury-free.
Technical Riding Sessions (3-4 days/week): EnduroCross requires mastery of slow-speed technical riding, from rock gardens to log crossings and tire obstacles. I break down these challenges into sessions that focus on specific skills—balancing over obstacles, throttle control, and body positioning. My sessions have gotten shorter over the years in an effort to keep the intensity high. I will also ride motocross and other disciplines to train my adaptability on the motorcycle.
Strength Training (2 days/week): I focus on building my strength before I start riding Endurocross, mainly Jan - June.
Strength is crucial for wrestling the bike through rough sections and maintaining control in tricky situations. I incorporate a mix of compound lifts (squats, deadlifts) for lower body strength and upper body exercises (pull-ups, kettlebell swings) to build the endurance needed to control the bike. Core training is a key component as well—keeping the torso stable is vital for absorbing shocks and staying balanced over rough terrain.
Foundation training is also a staple of my morning routine to ensure strength and flexibility throughout the foundation.
2. Bike Setup: Fine-Tuning for Precision
My theory on bike setup: Get the bike so it works well. Once the bike is predictable and works well, ride that thing! I want to spend my time working on my craft, not chasing rainbows for small percentages.
Your bike is an important tool, and how you set it up can make or break your race. Preseason is the time to dial in the details. Here's what I focus on:
Suspension Setup: EnduroCross is hard on suspension, and finding the perfect balance between stiff and soft settings is crucial. During preseason, I spend a lot of time adjusting sag, compression, and rebound to suit both my weight and riding style. Testing the setup on different types of obstacles—like rocks, logs, and jumps—helps fine-tune the feel.
Tire Selection: Tire choice is essential for EnduroCross, given the varied terrain. I run Mitas soft compound tires for the rigors of Endurocross with Mr. Wolf Mousse Ball inserts. Enter code MAX15 at Innteck-USA.com for a discount on a set of Mousse Balls.
Protection and Ergonomics: It's not just about performance—it’s about staying safe and comfortable too. I ensure that my handlebar, lever, footpegs and seat setup are dialed in to make sure the bike feels like an extension of my body.
3. Mindset: Developing Resilience and Focus
Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. EnduroCross is a sport that can break you down mentally, with its unpredictable terrain and endless obstacles. Here’s how I stay sharp:
Visualization: I spend time visualizing the race environment—imagining myself attacking each obstacle and maintaining calm under pressure. I also rehearse strategies for dealing with mistakes, like how I’ll recover from a bad line or a stalled engine. This mental rehearsal is key to staying focused and confident on race day.
Controlled Chaos: Simulating race conditions in training is crucial for mental toughness. I’ll often practice under less-than-ideal circumstances—riding when I’m already fatigued, or deliberately setting up a difficult obstacle sequence. This pushes me to stay calm and make smart decisions when things go wrong, which is inevitable during a race.
Meditation and Breathing: Simple meditation practices help me manage stress and keep my nerves in check before and during races. Breathing exercises are also a game-changer—by focusing on controlled breathing, I keep my heart rate in check during the high-intensity parts of the race.
Mantra: Sharp, Fast, Focused.
The Power of the Mind program has improved my mental game immensely. If you are interested in trying it yourself, use the code MAX15 at Power of the Mind for a discount.
As race day approaches, every hour of preparation, every obstacle tackled in training, and every adjustment made to my bike brings me closer to the ultimate goal: being fully race-ready for the EnduroCross series. While the competition will be fierce, I’m confident that the dedication, focus, and planning I’ve put into this preseason will give me the edge I need. EnduroCross is a test of resilience, and I’m excited to face whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that my training has prepared me for victory. See you on the races!
Let’s go Ridin’!
- MG
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