[quote author=Vo2 link=board=19;threadid=2640;start=0#22627 date=1037261484]<br />I do accept that for elite or supremely fit cyclists, x-training is questionable. But for those that are unfit or marginally fit, x-training can be beneficial, as it can improve 'general' fitness (however, it won't improve specific cycling fitness or performance). It generally is conceded that if a cyclist wants to become maximally fit then cycling, and only cycling, is the best activity that will produce such a state, as training effects are specific in cardiorespiratory and muscle adaptation (as Ric has pointed out).<br /><br />The general consensus here then is that if you are a recreational cyclist, cycling for fun or just to stay fit, then yes, x-training can help your general fitness levels. If you are a serious or elite cyclist, then no, x-training will not help you much.<br />Whatya say, Ric?<br />[/quote]<br /><br />Indeed, x-training can - and probably will - improve your general fitness level, but so does specif cycling training. The main problem I have with x-training is that it is usually done to improve max power (weight training), while the people doing it don't have their bodies conditioned enough to be at their cycling top. Seriously working on your base fitness going for long, low impact rides (outdoors or indoors) in the winter will be much more beneficial to your cycling performance than x-training, although I must admit that the real results from working on your base only come after years of training.<br /><br />This training is also what puts the elite in a whole other category than us, mere mortals, mainly by postponing lactic acid buildup.<br /><br />An intersting example of this is the world championship win in Lugano by Musseeuw. During the first half of the race he was always starting the hill in the front of the peloton, at the end he was at the back of the pack and during the climbing he made sure that he never went anaerobic. In the end he was the freshest one of the pack, even though it wasn't his favourite 'parcours'<br /><br />Niek