Its astonishing how many cyclists still dont grasp the fundamental relationship between Zone 2 training blocks and anaerobic work capacity. Can someone please explain to me how a large Zone 2 training block - lets say 6-8 hours of steady-state riding at 60-70% of FTP over the course of a week - impacts anaerobic work capacity in the short term, specifically in terms of the bodys ability to replenish ATP stores and generate forceful contractions.
Ive seen countless threads and articles touting the benefits of Zone 2 training for endurance, but few seem to address the potential drawbacks for riders who need to maintain a high level of anaerobic capacity, such as those competing in criteriums or track events.
Furthermore, Id like to know how the duration and intensity of the Zone 2 block influence this effect. For example, does a shorter block of 3-4 hours at 65% of FTP have a significantly different impact on anaerobic capacity compared to a longer block of 6-8 hours at 60% of FTP?
Its also worth noting that many training plans seem to assume that riders can simply switch gears and recover their anaerobic capacity after a period of focused endurance training. But is this really the case, or are there specific physiological adaptations that occur during prolonged Zone 2 training that limit the bodys ability to generate high-intensity efforts?
Im looking for a detailed, data-driven explanation of the relationship between Zone 2 training blocks and anaerobic work capacity, rather than vague assertions or anecdotal evidence. So, lets see if anyone can provide a clear and concise answer to this question.