Donna Dall
Why Communication is Crucial in High-Performance Mountain Biking
4-minute read By Donna Dall High-performance mountain biking is often seen as an individual pursuit—just the rider, their bike, and the trail ahead. While the athlete ultimately crosses the finish line alone, their success is far from a solo effort. Behind every performance is a network of support: coaches, soigneurs, team managers, mechanics, sports dietitians,…
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Efficiency Factor: A Guide to Tracking Progress and Moving Forward
Learn how to track and improve your Efficiency Factor in TrainingPeaks to boost your cycling performance and train smarter
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Cycling Success Starts Within: How Your Values Drive Athletic Excellence
4-minute read As athletes, we strive for peak performance, personal growth, and success. But what underpins all of this? At the core of sustained achievement lies a solid foundation of values. These guiding principles shape our behaviours, decision-making, and interactions, both on and off the bike. So, what are values? Simply put, values are deeply…
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Habits Over Goals: A Mountain Biker’s Guide to Thriving in 2025
As a mountain biker, you know the importance of consistency, whether that is nailing a tricky descent or preparing for your next race. This year, instead of chasing lofty goals that may fizzle out by February, let’s focus on the small, daily habits that will keep you on track all year long. Inspired by James…
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From Sleepless Nights to Podium Heights: Reflecting on 2024
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Challenges and Triumphs As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve shared with my athletes over the past twelve months. Being a mountain bike coach is often a demanding and, at times, a very thankless task. There’s many sleepless nights, anxiety-filled days…
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Genetics, Consistency, and Fun: The 3 Pro Cyclist Traits Every Amateur Can Embrace
Don’t let Pro’s have all the fun! In How to Become a Pro Cyclist, Jack Burke in his popular podcast highlights three traits that most successful pros share: genetics, consistency, and fun. These aren’t just traits exclusive to elite athletes though—they’re elements that any cyclist can benefit from, no matter the skill level. By learning how…
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Masterful at World Champs
UCI 2024 Masters World Championships in conjunction with AusCycling and the Cairns Mountain Bike Club Overview The 2024 UCI Masters XCO World Championships was an amazing event, showcasing top-class performances from masters athletes from around the world representing 15 different nations. I had the privilege of coaching a very talented group of Aussie masters! While…
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Is Your VO2Max Lower Than Your IQ?
Follow these Simple Steps To Get It Up! If you’re a mountain biker, you know that a high VO2Max is key to riding success. VO2Max measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume during intense exercise. The higher your VO2Max, the more oxygen your body can deliver to your muscles, which allows you…
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PCS Athletes Shine at AusCycling National Marathon Champs
Yesterday was an exciting day for PCS athletes as they competed at the AusCycling National Marathon Championships. As their coach, I could not have been prouder of their grit, determination, and stellar performances on the challenging Wagga Wagga circuit. The race took place on a 31km looped course that included steep and technical climbs, fast…
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Glutes – The forgotten powerhouse.
When we talk about glutes, we are actually referring to 3 muscles *The Gluteus Minimus*The Gluteus Medius*The Gluteus Maximus There are only 2 anatomical positions that we adopt in which these muscles are not used. Sitting (as they serve as a cushion) and laying down. All movements from dynamic and isometric use these muscles for…
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