I have a long term problem that need a solution. During the competitive cycling season I have a tendency to cramp in the quads. This is not a problem in training. Race distance does not seem to be a factor since it happens at most distances that I compete at. My question is where do I look in long term planning to fix the problem?
Diet-I do not eat differently during training then during races
training-race intensity is much higher then my training intensity,how close should training intensity for endurance sports be relative to racing intensity?
position-position on the bike can be different during the race because of the need to stand during the event to keep up. Normally during training I do not have to stand with the same intensity since there is no one to chase after.
stress-races are stressful could the extra mental stress cause the cramps?
travel-I drive 1-3 hrs to the races. Could that sitting in the car be a factor before the race? I know that it makes makes my back hurt after the race.
What areas could I look at to fix the problem from a planning stand point that I have not mentioned?