With thoughts of summer long gone, the skies darkening and the nights drawing in, it can be easy to switch off and push riding down your list of priorities.

But the winter can be among the most important periods for training and riding, to recharge and then re-build for your big summer targets.

With the season at a close, the winter offers the chance to take stock and re-assess your goals for the coming year – and maybe take in some track, ‘cross or off-bike work too.

What, then, should you be looking to get out of your winter training and how can the desired workload be achieved?

Rod Ellingworth is a key figure behind the scenes at Team Sky, having previously founded the British Cycling academy and helped Mark Cavendish to his 2011 World Championship win.

At the heart of a setup striving for every marginal gain, the British WorldTour team are perhaps offer some of the best examples of how to approach the off-season.

How can you train like riders such as Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas this winter? Read on for Ellingworth’s top tips on building form for the summer months.