Season phase: Phase 1 — General Preparation (return to training)
Primary focus right now: Rebuild aerobic base and restore training consistency after extended off-bike period
Secondary focus: Reintroduce gym work with movement quality emphasis
Current location: Victoria, BC (until April 30)
Current Training Reality
Typical weekly volume (hours): 3–6 hours (rebuilding; not yet established weekly rhythm)
Typical weekly structure: Ad hoc rides, no structured plan has been followed since return
Available training days: No constraints from Sidney's side — effectively 6 days with Monday rest
Current intensity distribution: 100% Zone 1–2 endurance; no structured intensity work since return
Current strength work: None since return
Skills / technical work: None since return
Return-to-Training Timeline
Last race: UCI CX World Championships, Hulst, NL — 2026-01-31 (16th place)
Off-bike period: approximately Feb 1 through Mar 21 (~7 weeks)
First ride back: 2026-03-22 — 1:00:38, 18.9 km, 308 m elevation (Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT, no power/HR data)
Second ride: 2026-03-23 — 2:01:11, 42.0 km, 564 m elevation
Third ride: 2026-03-28 — 0:44:38, 10.4 km, 212 m elevation
Fourth ride: 2026-03-31 — 2:56:31, 62.4 km, 746 m elevation
Fifth ride: 2026-04-01 — 2:46:50, 49.6 km, 764 m elevation
Summary: 5 rides in 11 days since return. Volume is increasing gradually. No power or heart rate data available from post-return rides.
Data Quality Note
Sidney switched from Garmin to Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT around mid-March 2026
Post-return rides show no power meter or heart rate data — sensors may not be configured on the new device
All January 2026 rides (CX campaign) had full Garmin data including power, HR, cadence
This data gap affects threshold estimation and training-load tracking
Current Performance Markers
FTP / threshold estimate: Exact post-recovery FTP is still not formally validated, but the active corrected TrainingPeaks threshold-power zone table saved in athlete/context/power-zones.md should be used as the current working reference for planning.
Recent key sessions: 5 unstructured rides since Mar 22, all Zone 1–2 effort, no power data
Heart rate notes: No HR data from post-return rides (Wahoo sensor configuration issue)
Recovery / freshness notes: Extended rest period should mean good recovery. Gradual return pattern suggests appropriate self-regulation.
Subjective sensations: Latest athlete check-ins, 2026-04-12, reported that the 2026-04-11 ride was 2:00 at endurance pace and felt good, pretty easy, with ankle pain occurring a couple of times mainly while unclipped and reaching for the ground rather than while pedaling. The 2026-04-12 ride was then confirmed as 3:00 endurance, 81 km, average heart rate 148 bpm, felt good but a bit tired and inconsistent in pace, likely due to low training consistency in the past month. Ankle was normal on that ride.
Current Coaching Assessment
What is going well: Sidney has begun riding again after the off-bike break, with a natural volume progression. Ride duration is increasing gradually, which is appropriate. Latest athlete reports indicate a 2:00 endurance ride on 2026-04-11 felt good and pretty easy, followed by a 3:00 endurance ride on 2026-04-12 that was completed successfully with normal ankle status. This is reassuring for current aerobic tolerance and durability rebuilding.
What is not going well: No power or HR data from post-return rides. No structured training plan. No gym or strength work has been reintroduced.
Main limiter right now: Detraining from the 7-week off-bike period and the resulting lack of rhythm, pacing stability, and repeatable aerobic durability. Aerobic base and threshold power still need rebuilding, but current endurance tolerance appears acceptable.
Main risk right now: Returning too quickly or adding intensity before base is re-established. Hashimoto's thyroiditis increases sensitivity to training load spikes. Ankle discomfort during unclipped ground contact or stabilization remains a local mechanical watch item even when pedaling tolerance appears acceptable.
Immediate coaching priority: Establish consistent daily riding, configure power meter and heart rate on the Wahoo, begin gym re-introduction.
Next Actions
Confirm power meter and HR sensor are paired with the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT so training data is captured.
Establish a consistent 5–6 day/week riding rhythm at Zone 1–2.
Introduce first gym session this week with movement quality focus.
