Mark Bailey
Mark Bailey is a freelance contributor to Bikeradar and Cycling Plus who specialises in in-depth features, athlete interviews and detailed guides to training, products and psychology. He has covered everything from how to train in extreme heat to the philosophy of cycling. A keen cyclist, he has completed the Haute Route Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Norway, and he has tackled sportives in destinations as diverse as Austria and Australia. Mark also writes about sport, science and culture for a range of titles, from the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times to National Geographic.
Recent articles by Mark Bailey
Men are facing a testosterone crisis - these 15 fixes will turbocharge the essential hormone
Testosterone powers everything from your muscle strength and heart health to your energy levels and sex drive. These strategies will help protect your levels
10 easy ways to stop your health problems before they even start
Get ahead of the health game and ward off serious problems in later life with these powerful preventative health measures
Afraid of failing? These 6 mental shifts could change everything, according to a top sports psychologist
Fear is a primal emotion that can hijack even the strongest mind. But, armed with the right mental toolkit, you can neutralise fear bombs and brave any challenge
The Tour de France heads for the mountains today – here's why it means so much to cycling fans
The mountains of the Tour have long cast a spell over us. Mark Bailey charts the history of an obsession
9 essential gravel riding tips from the pros
Explore exciting new terrain and improve your off-road skills with our indispensable gravel riding advice
I ditched my bike computer and embraced natural navigation – and it was one of my most rewarding rides in years
Could you navigate a long bike ride using natural clues from the sun, clouds, wind and trees alone?
We asked four pro cyclists for their training secrets – the answers will turbo-charge your riding
Follow the blueprint of these successful cyclists to get the best out of your training
Spent the winter glued to your turbo trainer? Here are 10 ways to get road-ready this spring
Essential tips to get match-fit for the road again
Strength training for cyclists: how to make your body bombproof
Ride faster without pain by doing these simple strengthening exercises
What is fasted training and does it work for cyclists?
Should you be riding on an empty stomach?
Pro cyclists struggle with these 6 skills – but here's how you can master them
From Thibaut Pinot’s skittish descents to Tadej Pogačar’s struggles on hot days, even pro cyclists aren’t perfect. Expert coaches show how you can turn a weakness into a strength
A potent neurological weapon: The surprising science of how habits can make you fitter and healthier
Whether your New Year’s resolution is to commute by bike, start a daily stretching routine or eat healthier snacks, it’s time to ditch your dependence on flaky willpower and build bulletproof habits instead
The secrets behind Mark Cavendish's 165 career wins – how the Manx Missile became the greatest sprinter of all-time
As the Manx Missile calls time on a glittering career, we reveal how he became the most successful sprinter in pro cycling history
Menacing passes in the magical Dolomites – how I rode the legendary Sellaronda Bike Day
Mark Bailey enjoys an epic Italian adventure
High rise: oxygen-starved altitude and volcanic landscapes in Tenerife's Vuelta al Teide sportive
Mark Bailey heads to the playground of the professionals for an explosive adventure
Small fortunes | Why Rutland is one of England's best cycling counties
It may be England’s smallest county but Rutland hides a treasure trove of striking landscapes and quiet roads. Mark Bailey embarks on a 100km loop
10 solo cycling tips to elevate your riding
Want to stay motivated, focused, self-sufficient and in control when riding on your own? Here’s our ultimate guide to the art of solo cycling
Fuel like Tour de France riders with these recipes from a pro cycling chef
Tour de France pro chef Hannah Grant shares five recipes loved by elite riders that will boost your cycling performance and electrify your taste buds
10 ways to improve your breathing for cycling
Learn how to breathe like a pro cyclist with our ultimate guide to optimising your lung performance
8 cyclists to watch at the Paris 2024 Olympics
From British medal hopes to global megastars, familiar road-bike racers to BMX sensations, here are 9 gifted cyclists ready to light up Paris 2024
Your guide to all the cycling at the 2024 Paris Olympics: the schedule, routes and medal favourites
Paris 2024 is almost here and the world’s best cyclists are ready for action. Here is your ultimate guide to all the Olympic and Paralympic cycling events
How to ride a long-distance cycling challenge: training, fuelling and riding tips for events over 200km
Plus seven of the best long-distance cycling events
Stop fasting, plan around your cycle and work on strength – how women can boost their fitness
Training advice often focuses on the needs of male bodies. Dr Georgie Bruinvels and British Cycling explain how female athletes can tailor their workouts
Why cycling in winter unlocks amazing health benefits, from weight loss to mental resilience
Research suggests exposure to cold can unlock a host of surprising results. But how should you prep for freezing conditions?