I think this is interesting. I agree and I think its amazing, how fast you can go , by going long and slow in training. For me I can't stand doing endurance bike miles, it drives me nuts (so boring) and hurts my ass. I like tempo a lot, like 3 hour rides @ 76% of FTP. I guess this is on the border line of endurance.

I think from my experience, for vo2max power , you need to do vo2 max workouts. Eventually. But those do not need to come until shortly before you are racing.

So I guess I agree the key is to get a good base in, don't start doing work you do not need for months too early. Patience will pay off!!! and don't race in February... or around here, March, and not even April for me. 3 more months of suffering until the fun.