At a Glance
- Targeted Cross-Training: Use yoga and strength training to balance muscular imbalances from the season.
- Mental Recovery: A conscious break protects against burnout and increases motivation for the coming year.
- Equipment Care and Planning: The winter months are ideal for thorough service and designing new bikepacking routes.
When the days get shorter and temperatures drop, the off-season for cyclists begins. But instead of a standstill, this phase means one thing above all: focus. It is the moment to look inward, recharge your batteries, and perfect your setup for upcoming adventures. In our Off-season Guide, you'll find the tips you need to start strong again in 2026!
Training: Setting New Stimuli for a Stable Base
In the cold season, the action often shifts indoors. But instead of just racking up miles on the trainer, the break offers the perfect opportunity for real cross-training. The goal is to compensate for the repetitive strain of cycling. Yoga and targeted mobility sessions are essential here. They improve your posture on the bike and ensure better power transfer once the season starts again.
Swimming is another excellent supplement, as it trains the cardiovascular system without stressing the joints. For specific strength development in winter, we also recommend sessions in the gym or bodyweight training at home. A stable core is the key to remaining pain-free in the saddle even on long bikepacking tours. The benefits of versatile winter training are clear:
- Increased core stability for less fatigue on long distances.
- Compensation of muscular imbalances through yoga and targeted stretching.
- Maintenance of base endurance through alternative sports like swimming or running.
- Prevention of overuse injuries through a holistic fitness approach.
Tip for All Indoor Trainer Enthusiasts
Representing the Veolo Cargo, add at least 9kg of weight in Zwift, Rouvy & Co. to train even more authentically for your next bikepacking tours. This way, you can feel what a real adventure load feels like right in your living room! ;)
Tour Planning and Inspiration for 2026
While it's uncomfortable outside, you can get cozy with maps and planning tools. The off-season is the time for dreams and drafts. Where should you go next year? Which undiscovered paths are waiting to be explored with your gravel bike and a Veolo Cargo? Thorough planning not only increases anticipation but also gives you a clear goal for your training sessions.
Get inspired by new regions and set goals that challenge you. Whether it's crossing the Alps or a minimalist weekend in the surrounding area – proper preparation is the foundation for success.
Our Cycling & Tour Documentary Highlights 2025
2025 was packed with breathtaking documentaries from cycling teams, athletes, and filmmakers. These films particularly captivated us this year:
- Henna & Adam - A surf and bikepacking adventure in the Outer Hebrides
- Visma Lease a Bike Our Tour de France & Here to Win - La Vuelta
- Fritz Meinecke Bikepacking in Morocco, North Cape
- Kai Luge - Peaks & Plains Race Recap
- Pas Normal Studios - Road to Traka
- Rapha Films Chapter Series - Chapter 7 The Baroudeur with Ben Healy
- Cody Cirillo - 1,000 mile Bike-to-Ski in Iceland
- Joe Kelly & Team - Race Across America
- SRAM - Leal Rides Around The World
- Tailfin - King of Chaos
Recovery: Focusing on Physical and Mental Health
An often underestimated part of the season break is genuine recovery. Your body needs time to recover from the strain of the past months. This also means consciously leaving the bike alone for a few weeks. This time not only helps in healing minor injuries but is also crucial for mental freshness. Those who don't allow themselves rest risk losing motivation in the middle of the new season.
Use this phase for sufficient sleep and a balanced diet. Mental health is the foundation on which your athletic performance stands. A relaxed mind returns with much more hunger for success when the days get longer again in spring. View the off-season as a reset button to start your preparation for 2026 with full energy.
Maintenance and Optimization
Nothing is more annoying than a technical defect on your first spring ride. Use the quiet months for a thorough check of your equipment. This applies to your bike, your clothing, and your Veolo trailer as well. We don't build disposable products; we focus on longevity and repairability. This is our understanding of sustainability and technical excellence.
Check wear parts such as tires, bearings, and brakes. A clean drivetrain and freshly greased components significantly extend the life of your equipment. If you need spare parts or are planning an upgrade, now is the ideal time. Also, consider whether your current equipment still fits your goals for 2026. Sometimes a small investment in high-quality material makes the difference between a good and a great experience.
Your Benefits of a Winter Check
- Avoidance of long waiting times in workshops during the peak season.
- Value retention of your bike and trailer through regular maintenance.
- Safety through checked brakes and lighting in the dark season.
- Sustainable consumption through repair instead of new purchase.
Ready for the Restart?
The off-season is not lost time, but your chance to set the course for a successful 2026. Use these months for recovery, planning, and maintaining your equipment. At Veolo, we are by your side with our expertise so you can focus entirely on your next adventure.
Do you have questions about maintenance or need support in choosing the right accessories? Our team will be happy to assist you personally. We stand for reliability, fast service, and products that withstand the toughest conditions.
Contact us today for a consultation or configure your new setup: Discover the Veolo Cargo
Frequently Asked Questions about the Off-season
When does the off-season officially begin for cyclists?
It usually starts in late October or November, when the racing season ends and the weather becomes more unsettled. However, it is an individual period based on your personal goals.
How much fitness do I lose during the break?
A certain decline in peak form is normal and even intended to allow the body to recover. However, base endurance is largely maintained with moderate cross-training.
What maintenance is important for the Veolo trailer in winter?
We recommend cleaning the axles, checking the hitch for smooth operation, and inspecting the suspension elastomers. Dry storage additionally protects the material from environmental influences.
About the Authors
Alexander | Veolo Team
At Veolo, we combine a passion for cycling with German engineering. Our goal is to create products that reliably accompany you to new destinations on every kilometer of your journey.