This week we dig into the newly announced HYROX Cruise Major and the new Div 1 system, before getting deep into tapering, deloading, race week nerves, and why most people probably overcomplicate the final few weeks before a race.

We discuss whether the cruise concept is a genuine step forward for the sport or a logistical headache waiting to happen, the pros and cons of time trial racing, why not televising it feels like a missed opportunity, and what the new Div 1 tier could mean for the future depth of HYROX racing.

Then we move into one of the biggest topics before Worlds season: tapering.

We cover:

• Why tapering is about reducing fatigue, not magically gaining fitness

• Why HYROX probably doesn’t need marathon-style tapers

• Taper tantrums, phantom niggles and race week anxiety

• Why keeping routine and frequency matters psychologically

• How to structure the final 7-10 days before a race

• Why “hero weeks” are usually a terrible idea

• The difference between sharpening and peaking

• Why consistency beats massive spikes in training volume

• HRV, recovery scores and whether athletes should actually trust them race week

• Singles vs doubles tapering considerations

• How travel changes race week preparation

• Why the best athletes improve because they recover better, not because they found some magical session

As always, plenty of rabbit holes, practical coaching discussion and probably more swearing than necessary. Standard procedure really.