#53 - The ability to perform in competitions with Nicklas Pedersen

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating question: Why can we often push ourselves harder when it really matters? _____________________________________________________________________________

We have a visit from cyclist Nicklas Amdi Pedersen, who shares his experiences from both the road and the virtual world of e-cycling, where he has won bronze at the first official world championship on Zwift. With years on teams such as ColoQuick, TDT-Unibet and Willing Able Racing, he has experienced competition at a high level both physically and mentally.

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Together we talk about how to prepare for important competitions. We cover training, diet, mental strategies and the difference between training and running. What actually happens in the body and brain when we stand at the starting line?

• We also explore the scientific explanation: – How dopamine increases motivation and makes us perform better
• How adrenaline mobilizes energy and increases pain tolerance
  How the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, plays a key role in decision-making, focus, and pacing
• How social factors like rivalry and being observed can boost performance automatically

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Finally, Nicklas shares his best advice for those of you who want to learn to perform better under pressure – whether you're on a bike, running a fitness race or just want to learn to push yourself a little more.

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This is an episode for anyone who is curious about how the body and brain work together when we need to perform at our best.

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Find the episode here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3v3hyVfmJN775gNqAdw9qw?si=7817b55baeb541b6