Misha Botting has a key role in working with Scottish athletes ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Here he gives his advice on the mental preparation required ahead of a major sporting event.

What are the key issues to consider when it comes to training for an event like Pedal For Scotland?

"The main one is coping with expectations. Someone taking part in Pedal For Scotland will feel this kind of pressure, perhaps because they have told friends and family they are doing it, or because they are raising money for a charity.

"The principal thing I recommend is to focus on details, a series of little processes. Break the race down into at least three parts – for example, beginning, middle and end – and set very specific goals for each. These could be tactical or mental, or goals identifying the level of effort you put in at each stage of the race."

How does breaking it down into different parts help?

"These little processes help keep the mind focused on the controllable elements of the race rather than thinking about big things such as finishing or how will you feel if something happens and you can't complete the event."

What coping mechanisms or techniques do you recommend on the day?

"It is common among athletes to jump ahead of themselves rather than stay in the moment. The race is not over until you cross the line, but the mind will naturally wander to thoughts that aren't helpful. The key is to bring things back to the present and focus on the small processes that will make your day successful. This is a big psychological skill participants need to develop.

"For some cyclists it may be concentrating on their breathing or pace, for others focusing on keeping up with the person in front. It must be individual, however. If you try to use the same mental structures as Lance Armstrong or other famous cyclists, it will not be helpful."

So Armstrong's famous "pain is temporary, quitting lasts for ever" mantra isn't going to work for everyone?

"No. Each cyclist needs to develop their own mental strategies, whether it is using a key word, certain images or feelings associated with each part of the race.

"This must be well rehearsed – trying to create something completely new on the day is unlikely to be a successful strategy."

Next week: getting the best from your team.