Balancing School and Cycling: Good Grades and Strong Results Are Possible!
Balancing academics and athletics, whether in high school or college can feel overwhelming at times. The workload, travel, and training all pile up quickly. But after navigating both high school and a double major in college, I’ve learned how to strike the right balance and succeed in both.
Going to school is a full-time commitment and should be treated as such. Education, in my opinion, should always be one of the top priorities for any cyclist. The reality is that making a living solely from cycling is incredibly difficult, and every rider should have a solid backup plan in place.
Cycling During High School
I graduated from Rock Canyon High School while competing nationally across multiple disciplines. Those years laid the foundation for what eventually became my career in cycling. Success during that time came down to three key things: good time management, an effective training plan, and surrounding myself with supportive people.
My coach built weekday workouts that were typically 90 minutes or less, saving the longer rides for weekends. This structure gave me the flexibility to balance school, a part-time job at a local restaurant, and enough focused training to stay competitive at national events. Those years helped me keep the sport fun and sustainable while teaching me valuable habits I carried into college and professional racing.
College and Competitive Cycling
College introduces a different kind of challenge and opportunity. With more control over your schedule, time management becomes even more important. While college courses demand a greater workload, the ability to design your own class schedule can work to your advantage.
For me, that meant scheduling one or two classes in the morning and another in the evening, leaving the middle of the day free for training during the warmest hours. This structure worked especially well during my final two years of college, while racing internationally with Team Skyline.
Balancing higher education and a demanding sport isn’t easy; it’s mentally and physically taxing, but it’s absolutely possible. The key is having the right support system, especially a coach who understands the unique challenges of balancing both.
At Source Endurance, I’ve developed an approach that helps athletes succeed both in the classroom and on the bike. With structure, flexibility, and purpose, good grades and strong results can absolutely coexist.
Thanks for reading.
About the Author:
Ethan has been racing since the age of 10 across multiple disciplines and receiving a double major in Accounting and Finance at the University of Colorado Boulder. His technique comes from multiple years of experience and love for the sport. He currently travels the world racing for the UCI Continental team, Team Skyline where he continues his development as a coach and a rider. Learn more about Ethan and Source Endurance here.