In order to get the hours in to prepare for the classics I have been doing 2 - 2,5 hr training rides (easy endurance) and then (immediately after) riding a training race of 90 - 100 minutes duration. Ride home afterwards and it's usually 4-5 hrs on the bike. I do this midweek, once or sometimes twice.
Is this "good" training? It certainly can make for a tough last 30 mins of the training race - especially throwing in some attacks.
Is there a difference between this plan, and just doing the training race, then a 4hr standard endurance ride another day?
i tend to use training races as a substitute for intervals. In fact, apart from some weekly sprints from standing start on 53x17 I haven't done any intervals for some time. I figure with a crit or a classic every week there is no need?
Is this "good" training? It certainly can make for a tough last 30 mins of the training race - especially throwing in some attacks.
Is there a difference between this plan, and just doing the training race, then a 4hr standard endurance ride another day?
i tend to use training races as a substitute for intervals. In fact, apart from some weekly sprints from standing start on 53x17 I haven't done any intervals for some time. I figure with a crit or a classic every week there is no need?