asgelle

Sadly the science disagrees. All training adaptations that result from training are the result of overload and will occur whether the athlete rests or keeps training at a high level. All rest does is reduce residual fatigue so that performance isn't limited. Too many riders have been led astray not reaching their potential by the concept that rest is necessary for improvement. See, for example, the discussion of the performance manager in Allen and Coggan or any of the long discussions on the subject on the Wattage list at Google.

Or consider this article http://www.roble.net/marquis/coaching/rushall7.html