In this episode of The Uphill Goat, I sit down with professional cyclist, coach, and sports psychology expert Charlotte Backus to talk about the mental side of performance, elite cycling culture, burnout, nutrition, identity, and what actually helps athletes improve long-term.

Charlotte shares her experience racing at a high level, the realities of chasing performance, and the lessons endurance sports can teach us far beyond the bike. This conversation goes much deeper than training zones and FTP numbers — it’s about mindset, pressure, resilience, and learning who you are both in and outside of competition.

We also dive into:

- The psychological side of endurance sports

- Burnout and identity in elite athletes

- Common mistakes amateur cyclists make

- Nutrition and fueling

- What separates great athletes from good ones

- Women’s cycling and performance culture

- Building a healthy relationship with ambition

This episode is presented by 2% Performance — topical sodium bicarbonate cream designed to help athletes perform at their best without destroying their stomachs.

Check out 2% Performance and use code UPHILLGOAT at checkout for a discount on your first order:

2PercentPerformance.com

Follow Charlotte:

https://www.instagram.com/charlottebackus/

Follow 2 Percent Performance:

https://www.instagram.com/2percentperformance/