Goodevening all...
The question of specificity of training is a very good one and something that unfortunately there will never be a right or wrong answer too.
After reading the replies to this question there are a few points that i would like to touch on...
In reference to developing a cardiovascualr base to assist with recovery and lactic acid removal, whislt this certainly is true, one shouldnt underestimate the ability of the body to be able to do this if specific sprint interval training is peformed.
Interval and sprint training (over various time frames and with various recovery periods) stimulates the bodies ability to not only perform these tasks but also to recover for the next one. Interval and sprint training is one of the most powerful and effective ways of improving cardiovascular fitness therefore if this cardiovascualr fitness is the desirable element, it would seem foolish not to incorporate it into the training.
the comments made on racing in keirins and the longer sprints required in match sprinting are also very valid and do require an element of cardiovascular fitness. I would argue though that the endurance required to perform these tasks would be best attained by performing these tasks, replicating in training what your body will be expected to do in racing.
On mitochondria density...Increasing the density of mitochondira through low intensity cardiovascular training only condtions these mitochondria for use in such situations, they cnnot be utliseds in high intensity efforts, negating the benifit. Mitochondria can be enhanced through high intensity efforts, but thwhile this may be more benficial, it is also less productive (prodcues fewer gains in mitochoindria levels)
So that has been the 'for' case for not doing LSD training miles, now the 'for' case for LSD miles.
Lower intensity training enhances the bodies ability to utilise fat as a fuel source and if this training is combined with higher intensity (not necessarily 100% max training) it enhances the bodies abiltiy to utilise fat as a fuel source as the intensity increases.
As fat is more energy dense than glyocgen, if the body can continue burning this fuel source for longer, as the intensity increases, then our glycogen stores are saved for explosive efforts (eg. full sprints).
Secondly, cardiovascular type training (lower intensity) imporves the bodies ability to store glyocogen and the mechanisims involved in the release of this energy from its stores.
If the body functions more efficiently at lower intensities (the product of such training) then all the processes the body goes through, including recovery, are enhanced.
So, as i have waffled on for long enough, i will close with my recommmendations on a training week in both off and racing season.
Off Season:
Weight Training: 3 per week
Moderate Intensity Long Rides: 3 per week
High Intensity Raod Training: 1 per week
Sprint Training: 3 per week
Recovery Ride: 1 per week
Racing Season:
Weight Training: 2-3 per week
Sprint Training: 3 per week
High Intensity Road Training: 2 per week
Moderate Intensity Road Training: 1 per week
Recovery Ride: 1 per week
I hope if nothing else, it provides either fuel for thought or something to challenge.
Thank you