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 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 want to race this season but I don’t want to come in last. I can ride 19 mph for hours and can cover 21 miles in an hour at an all-out pace. Is this fast enough to hang with the main pack, or should I even bother? — Robert P.
Question: When I’m riding hard and breathing heavily, I notice that occasionally I can openmy lungs more than normal and take in more air. On those breaths I feel great. For the next 5-10 seconds my breathing slows and isn’t as labored. If I could duplicate that feeling on every breath, my cycling performance would…
