Wiggins lauds new training philosophy

Sky rider strengthens lead at Critérium du Dauphiné. My coach has not been in cycling for long, he's come from swimming, so I've pretty much been training like the swimmers train," Wiggins told reporters in Bourg-en-Bresse. "I've been constantly training through the year, so it's not like the traditional way for cycling, which is starting in January fat or in really bad condition, and then building, building and showing form in these races."

Wiggins began his racing campaign with 3rd overall at the Volta ao Algarve in February, then won Paris-Nice in March. After abandoning, the Volta a Catalunya, Wiggins won the Tour de Romandie in early May and now holds a commanding lead at the Dauphiné. In between, his regimen has included some lengthy stints of training at altitude in the seclusion of Mount Teide, Tenerife.

"It's just trying to be 95, 97% all year and constantly working," Wiggins said. "The only downside is that it's mentally difficult, but up to now I've found it pretty good. I've only raced four races this year and I've had long periods between races to freshen up and do good blocks of training, so I'm not going from race to race."

What's the point? Less racing, more training to race?