Isnt it time we reevaluated the traditional approach to base mileage for competitive cyclists? The conventional wisdom is that a strong endurance base is essential for success, but I think its worth questioning whether this is truly the case for every type of rider and every type of event.
For example, what about sprinters or criterium specialists who need explosive power rather than sustained endurance? Do they really need to put in the same kind of high-mileage base training as a grand tour contender or Ironman athlete? Or are they better off focusing on shorter, high-intensity efforts to develop their specific strengths?
And what about the role of technology and data analysis in modern cycling? With the advent of power meters, GPS tracking, and advanced analytics, cant we use data to pinpoint exactly how much base mileage is truly necessary for a given rider, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach?
Furthermore, isnt there a risk that excessive base mileage can actually be counterproductive for some riders, leading to burnout, overtraining, and decreased performance? Shouldnt we be focusing on quality over quantity, and finding ways to optimize our training time rather than simply putting in as many miles as possible?
Id love to hear from others on this topic - are there any coaches, trainers, or experienced riders out there who have challenged the traditional approach to base mileage and found success with alternative methods?
For example, what about sprinters or criterium specialists who need explosive power rather than sustained endurance? Do they really need to put in the same kind of high-mileage base training as a grand tour contender or Ironman athlete? Or are they better off focusing on shorter, high-intensity efforts to develop their specific strengths?
And what about the role of technology and data analysis in modern cycling? With the advent of power meters, GPS tracking, and advanced analytics, cant we use data to pinpoint exactly how much base mileage is truly necessary for a given rider, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach?
Furthermore, isnt there a risk that excessive base mileage can actually be counterproductive for some riders, leading to burnout, overtraining, and decreased performance? Shouldnt we be focusing on quality over quantity, and finding ways to optimize our training time rather than simply putting in as many miles as possible?
Id love to hear from others on this topic - are there any coaches, trainers, or experienced riders out there who have challenged the traditional approach to base mileage and found success with alternative methods?