Originally Posted by
sir_crash_alot
Assuming riders up to the highest levels are also using highly structured and precise training programs, that their improving performance over the last few years (especially since doping is not as prevalent...I also assume) is evidence enough.
That the e-sports champions do not dominate in road or track or MTB or gravel racing suggests that precision in structured training is insufficient. That there are 3000 workouts on Zwift and more on SYSTM and Trainerroad and other platforms designed for a general audience suggests that the benefit is more psychological than physiological. Which isn't to say that psychological benefits aren't real. That actual World Tour pros still do the majority of their training on the road where training dose isn't precisely titred isn't proof, but it is evidence.
The evidence that volume is correlated with performance gains is strong. Things that help riders increase volume without injury or burnout are therefore good things. The evidence that precision in structure per se enhances performance is weak.
Coggan has said, "the name of the book is training *with* power, not *by* power."