Question: I was interested in your response to a question about why we get dropped in races or fast group rides. When I’m dropped, I can’t chase at a hard pace even after recovering. In a book I read recently, it said getting dropped when the pace suddenly quickens was attributed to insufficient steady-state riding during…
Question: I just read an interesting study concerning cycling efficiency and power output. The subjects were Spanish pro racers, including a former world champion. The study concluded that riders in a specific category vary widely in their VO2 max (ability to consume oxygen for energy production). What distinguishes the top riders is greater efficiency. In…
Question: This is my first season doing Cat 4/5 road races. So far I’ve ridden a few criteriums and just finished a stage race. I’m happy with my results and starting to think about how to be in really good shape for next season. To gain experience, I’m planning to continue competing once or twice a…
Question: I’ve used the tapering protocol you recommend in Basic Training for Roadies. It worked well. However, most of the tapering research seems to deal with the weeks before only one event. What if you have consecutive weekend events for two or three weeks? — Jimmy K. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Good question. The answer depends on…
Question: This is my first year of serious riding. I started on the trainer February and have been going strong since, riding hard four to five times a week. I’ve raced several times and want to do more until fall. The problem is that my rides feel like a chore rather thanfun. My legs burn…
