Rereading my Friel today and I have a contradiction I can't resolve...

Initially in "Science of Training, Overload" he says: Once a rider has reached optimal fitness, it can be maintained with [bla bla bla].

Then in "Intensity, Recreational Cyclists" he says: '[bla bla] plan to peak at the right time of the year. Too much too soon and you won't be able to maintain the fitness.

So... which is it? or... what context makes these each make sense?