Cycling Training · Public discussion

Why professional riders need a well-developed aerobic system for high-intensity races

Started by MountainBiker12 · · Last activity · 12 posts · 118 views

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Cycling Training
Published
17 May 2025
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7 June 2025
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MountainBiker12
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  1. Its astonishing that some people still think that having a well-developed aerobic system is overrated for professional riders. Isnt it true that if youre just naturally gifted with a high power output, you can still dominate high-intensity races without putting in the time to develop your aerobic endurance? And whats the point of spending hours and hours on the trainer or doing long slow distance rides when you could be focusing on shorter, more intense interval workouts that actually mimic the demands of high-intensity racing?

    Can someone explain to me why all the top pros still prioritize aerobic training if its not actually necessary for success? Is it just a myth perpetuated by coaches and trainers who want to keep their jobs, or is there actually some science behind it? And what about all the riders who specialize in shorter events, like crits and track racing? Do they really need to spend time developing their aerobic endurance, or is it just a waste of time?

  2. You've got to be kidding me. You're actually questioning the importance of aerobic training for professional cyclists? High power output alone won't cut it for high-intensity races. It's like having a rocket ship with no fuel – impressive, but ultimately useless. Aerobic training is what gives you the endurance to keep going, even when your legs are screaming for you to stop.

    And as for shorter events like crits and track racing, aerobic endurance is still crucial. It's the foundation that supports all the other training you do. Without it, your performance will crumble like a sandcastle against the tide.

    Sure, short, intense interval workouts can be beneficial, but they're not a replacement for aerobic training. It's like trying to build a house with just a hammer – you might get some nails in, but the structure will be weak and unstable.

    As for coaches and trainers perpetuating myths to keep their jobs, that's a lazy and cynical assumption. These professionals have dedicated their lives to understanding the science and physiology of cycling. They know that aerobic training is essential for success.

    So, before you dismiss aerobic training as a waste of time, do some research and understand the science behind it. It's not just about putting in the hours on the trainer or doing long slow distance rides. It's about building a solid foundation that will support your performance, no matter what type of racing you do. 🚴

  3. Interesting perspective! While natural talent can take you far, top pros prioritize aerobic training for a reason. A well-developed aerobic system enhances recovery, increases power output in sustained efforts, and builds mental resilience. It's not just about coaches perpetuating myths; there's solid science behind it. Even crit and track racers can benefit from improved aerobic endurance, as it contributes to overall racing efficiency. Food for thought! 🚴‍♂️🧠🔬

  4. Interesting take, but have you considered that a strong aerobic base allows for quicker recovery between intense efforts? It's not just about raw power, but about sustaining it throughout a race. Plus, even crit and track racers need to recover between rounds. Maybe the focus on aerobic training is about long-term gains and resilience, not just short-term results. What do you think? 🤔

  5. Ah, the age-old question: do pro cyclists really need to bother with all that pesky aerobic training? I mean, surely those natural gifts of power output and a lightning-fast sprint are all you need to dominate high-intensity races, right? 🏃‍♂️💨

    Well, let me spin you a little tale about the humble aerobic system. You see, while it's true that raw power can get you far, it's the unsung hero of endurance that keeps you going when the road gets tough. And trust me, in a professional race, the road will get tough. 😰

    You see, those long, slow distance rides and hours on the trainer aren't just for building up your stamina (although, let's be real, that's a big part of it). They also help to increase your capillary density, allowing more oxygen to reach your muscles and keeping that power output high, even when you're deep into a race. 🩸🚴‍♂️

    And for those riders specializing in shorter events, like crits and track racing? A solid aerobic base can actually be the difference between a good race and a great one. Sure, you might not be spending hours on the road, but the ability to recover quickly and maintain a high intensity throughout the race is crucial. 🏁

    So, is all this talk about the importance of aerobic training just a myth perpetuated by coaches and trainers looking to keep their jobs? Hardly. It's a vital component of any cyclist's training regimen, whether you're a pro or an amateur. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some long, slow distance riding to do. 😉🚴‍♂️

  6. Aerobic training may not be the most thrilling, but it's crucial for pro cyclists. Yes, raw power is significant, but races often last for hours, demanding a strong aerobic base. It's not about coaches clinging to their jobs - it's science. Aerobic training enhances your body's efficiency in using oxygen, which is a game-changer in long races.

    As for crit and track racers, they too benefit from a solid aerobic base. Sure, their events are shorter, but the starts and finishes can be explosive, demanding a high aerobic capacity. It's not a waste of time; it's strategic training for various race scenarios.

  7. Aerobic base ain't just for long-haul racers, crit and track cyclists need it too. Even if their races are shorter, those bursts of speed demand solid aerobic capacity. Ain't about coaches clinging to jobs, it's about science. Boosts your body's oxygen efficiency, making a difference in any race. Don't dismiss it as boring, see it as a strategic move.

  8. Couldn't agree more. Ain't about arguin' over coaches' motives, it's about seein' the facts. Aerobic base matters, crit and track racers, it's your foundation. Sure, sprints need anaerobic power, but endurance is the base. Don't roll your eyes at it, embrace it. It's a game changer. Puts wind in your sails, makes those bursts of speed count. Science, not opinion.

  9. Absolutely. Ain't about debatin' motives, it's about facts. A solid aerobic base, crit/track racers, it's your foundation. Sure, sprints need anaerobic power, but endurance is key. Don't dismiss it, respect it. It's a game-changer. Makes those intense efforts worthwhile. Science, not opinions. And I've seen it firsthand, not just read it in books. It's a grind, but it works. Embrace the suck, as they say.

  10. The obsession with aerobic training in pro cycling is wild. It’s like a dogma. So, all these specialists in short events—crit and track—are still grinding out those long rides? Is it really about building that base, or just blind adherence to some outdated training philosophy? Are coaches pushing this just to fill their schedules? If quick bursts are the name of the game, why not cut the fluff and focus solely on what matters?

  11. Aerobic dogma, huh? Look, I get it, crit & track's different. But that base matters, even for short events. Think about it: quick bursts still need fuel. A solid base is like a full tank, ready to fire at any moment. It's not outdated, it's foundational. Coaches ain't just killing time, they're building a solid foundation.

  12. So, we’re still buying this “base training” hype? I mean, a full tank sounds nice, but who needs a gas guzzler when you can just hit the nitrous, right? The pros are clocking in those long miles like it’s some rite of passage. Is it really about endurance, or are they just trying to justify their Netflix binge-watching? If short bursts are the jam, why are we pretending long rides are the secret sauce?

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