DaveLeeNC

I didn't have much time today and weather was crappy anyway. So I did a short, but relatively intense, indoor ride (intense by my 69 year old standards, anyway).

A question came to my mind during one of the lighter segments of the ride. Assume that rider A has been riding 8-9 hours per week for a long time (year or more). No particular training plan (or racing intentions). "A" just rides hard when he (she) feels good, takes it easier on days where he/she is clearly tired, and kind of in between when he/she is neither fresh or tired. And A's FTP is pretty stable at a value of X.

For whatever reason A starts doing the following four days per week - no other riding or other training. 5 min warm-up, 2x15 min at 95% to 105% of X with a 5 minute rest. End of workout.

What is going to happen to A's FTP over time in such a scenario? Just curious - do not intend to do this. It just occurred to me during today's 'ride'.

dave

rubiksoval

Probably not much assuming they've been training for a few years at a range of intensities and durations. They may get a little better at doing 2x15 mins, though.

Then they'll probably quit because that sounds awful.

DaveLeeNC

I am guessing that biker A's 'tested ftp' (say with a typical 20 min test) would be roughly unchanged. A 'real' one hour ftp test - quite likely a different result (I am guessing).

dave

chicagogal

I think you are asking about what happens when volume drops but intensity still stays sorta high. If the athlete never gets any volume, ever, for years, then fitness will decline (or he will just give up cycling because it stops being fun!). However, athletes training through very cold winters often find themselves relegated to the trainer for a few months. If they do shorter workouts (no long endurance rides) at a prescribed intensity, they can be ready to compete in the spring. Fitness is fine, and the winter can be a good time to sharpen other aspects.

caloso

Agreed.