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
No time? No excuses: how to upgrade your lunch break for peak cycling performance
Make the most of your time away from your desk and boost your fitness on the bike
Diets don't work for men who want to lose weight – but these 5 things do
Research suggests men require a gender-specific approach to weight loss, fusing camaraderie, fitness targets and group exercise
How to spice up your riding in 2026, from A to Z
We reveal our ultimate A-Z of fun, quirky and challenging rides for you to tick off this year, so you can make 2026 your most memorable year yet
Cycling develops one-dimensional fitness – these 7 cross-training benefits will make you a more rounded rider
From superior speed and power to enhanced durability and motivation, cross-training delivers multiple benefits
The 10 things I wish I knew when I started cycling (don’t make the same mistakes)
With the benefit of hindsight, Mark Bailey looks back on the biggest errors he made when he took up cycling
Escape a fitness rut and get 2026 off to a flyer with these six essential strategies
Recharge your dwindling willpower or overcome a stale fitness plateau with these motivational tricks from sports psychologist Dr Jamie Barker
Forget 10,000 steps a day, it’s a 1960s marketing gimmick – here's what you need to do to enjoy a longer life
Fewer steps, faster walking and more resistance training are all key to longevity
The 3 red flags for low testosterone – and why they are all that matter
Studies have finally revealed the top three symptoms of low testosterone, which all men should be on guard for
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