Podcast
Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad
Hosted by TrainerRoad · EN
The only podcast dedicated to making you a faster cyclist. TrainerRoad's Ask a Cycling Coach podcast gives you the chance to get answers to your cycling and triathlon training questions with USAC/USAT certified coaches, pro athletes, and other special guests.
24episodes
Episodes
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WHY LONG RIDES WON’T SAVE YOUR RACE | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 590
2d ago01:27:29Tap to summarize🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com❤️ Donate to Coach Jonathan’s Leadville Fundraiser: https://give.ltfoundation.org/leejonathan// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome! Why Long Rides May Not Build Long Race Fitness(00:00:54) TrainerRoad AI Updates and Future FTP Prediction Fixes(00:05:02) Why Outdoor Workouts Can Affect AI FTP Detection(00:08:29) How to Answer Post-Workout Surveys Accurately(00:12:55) Why You Shouldn’t “Game” TrainerRoad AI(00:17:47) Upcoming AI Workout Improvements(00:19:36) Jonathan’s Lost and Found Gravel Race Recap(00:21:05) Why Separate Starts Improve Gravel Racing(00:23:28) Gravel Race Tactics: Climbing, Corners, and Descending(00:27:15) Training Power on Flats vs. Climbs(00:30:16) Heat Training for Hot Gravel Races(00:32:44) Reading Competitors’ Nutrition and Hydration(00:35:13) Did Jonathan Break the Race Rules?(00:39:01) SRAM Transmission Issues on Rough Gravel(00:45:08) Listener Question: Are Long Rides Necessary for Leadville?(00:51:39) Why FTP Matters More Than Durability for Long Races(00:57:08) Leadville Nutrition: Training Your Gut for Race Day(01:00:31) Jonathan’s Leadville Sub-7 Training Update(01:06:39) Leadville Bike Setup, Tires, Gearing, and Kit(01:13:39) Listener Question: Can Swimming Improve Cycling Fitness?(01:23:47) World Cup Picks and Final ThoughtsIn this episode, Nate Pearson and Coach Jonathan Lee dig into why long rides are not always the best way to prepare for long races like Leadville, and why raising FTP, protecting key workouts, and practicing race nutrition can matter more than stacking huge endurance days. They cover TrainerRoad AI updates, including outside workout improvements, more precise post-workout feedback, dynamic workout adjustments, and why athletes should answer surveys honestly instead of trying to “game” the system. Coach Jonathan also recaps his Lost and Found Gravel race, including heat training, pacing, equipment lessons, possible disqualification from outside feeds, and how he’s refining his Leadville 100 MTB strategy with smarter hydration, carbohydrate intake, caffeine, altitude prep, and bike setup. The episode wraps with a look at whether swimming can improve cycling performance, how CO2 tolerance and extra aerobic work might help with hard group ride efforts, plus a quick World Cup discussion.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Donate to Coach Jonathan’s Leadville Fundraiser: https://give.ltfoundation.org/leejonathan - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →WHICH CONTINENT HAS THE FASTEST CYCLISTS? | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 589
1w ago00:41:32Tap to summarize🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Which Continent Has the Fastest Cyclists? (00:02:52) Power-to-Weight: Europe Sets the Pace (00:05:16) Raw Watts: 20-Min, 5-Min & Sprint Power (00:08:25) Body Weight Differences by Continent (00:09:28) How Each Continent Actually Trains (00:11:56) Who Trains the Most (It's Not the US) (00:13:57) Indoor Riding, Structure & Climbing (00:16:02) Who Races Most & What They Race (00:19:25) Awards & Wooden Spoons by Continent (00:21:48) Are You a Sprinter or a Diesel? (00:26:09) The Best Training for Your Phenotype (00:29:06) Strength Training vs More Bike Hours (00:33:30) Swap or Add Gym Time? The Real Cost (00:37:22) My Lost and Found & Leadville Race PlanWhich continent has the fastest cyclists in the world? Coach Jonathan Lee breaks down training data from over 85,000 TrainerRoad athletes across 150+ countries to compare every continent by FTP, watts per kilogram, 20-minute power, sprint power, body weight, weekly TSS, indoor vs. outdoor riding, and racing habits. Europe posts the biggest engines at 2.79 W/kg, Oceania sprints hardest, Asia trains the most, Africa races the most, and South America is the most structured. Then, two listener questions get full data analyses: are you really a sprinter or a diesel (spoiler: true polarized phenotypes are rarer than you think), and does swapping bike hours for strength training make you faster? Finally, Jonathan shares his Lost and Found gravel race pacing and fueling plan as he builds toward the Leadville 100.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →JUST CLIMB MORE? WHAT CYCLISTS GET WRONG | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 588
2w ago00:30:50Tap to summarize🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) 3 Cycling Questions, Answered by Data(00:01:27) Unbound Recap: Brutal Mud & Sharp Rocks(00:04:21) Does Strength Training Make You Faster?(00:11:15) Will Climbing Alone Make You Faster?(00:18:02) Does Altitude Slow Your Fitness Gains?(00:25:57) Leadville Prep & Sub-20lb Epic 9 BuildDoes strength training actually make you faster? On this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach podcast, presented by TrainerRoad, Coach Jonathan Lee digs into data from over 89,000 cyclists to find out, plus how many weekly sessions hit the sweet spot and why women may see double the benefit. Then we tackle two more listener questions using TrainerRoad's data. Can climbing alone make you faster, or is structured training the real key? And if you train at altitude, do your fitness gains come slower? Jonathan also shares behind-the-scenes from Unbound's brutal conditions and his Leadville prep with a sub-20-pound Epic 9 build.Whether you're chasing more watts, a higher FTP, or your next big gravel or MTB goal, this data-driven episode helps you train smarter and get faster.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →STRENGTH TRAINING: THE MINIMUM CYCLISTS NEED | Derek Teel | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 587
3w ago01:31:52Tap to summarize🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome!(00:00:59) Jonathan’s Strength Training Confession(00:02:22) Listener Questions: Strength and Priorities(00:05:35) Are Athletes Overthinking Training?(00:14:38) Finding Time for Strength Training(00:21:46) Minimum Effective Strength Work(00:27:21) Daily Hangs for Cyclists(00:30:27) Core Training and Single-Leg RDLs(00:37:05) Weight Loss, Protein, and Discipline(00:42:26) Do Strong Cyclists Need Strength Training?(00:50:32) When Bodyweight Training Isn’t Enough(00:53:15) Ranking What Matters Most(00:56:50) Heat Training and Sauna Mistakes(01:03:29) Unbound 200 Predictions(01:09:41) Are 32-Inch Wheels the Future?(01:19:35) Lael Wilcox’s World Record PrepIn this episode, Coach Jonathan Lee brings on Derek Teel of Dialed Health to break down why strength training for cyclists matters, how to actually fit it into a packed training schedule, and why simple, consistent work beats an overbuilt “perfect” plan every time. They use Coach Jonathan’s Leadville 100 prep as a real-world case study, covering how to add practical core, single-leg strength, hanging, and stability work without derailing bike training, plus how to prioritize the overwhelming list of marginal gains like nutrition, sleep, heat training, skills, bike maintenance, and chain waxing. They also answer athlete questions on whether naturally strong cyclists still need structured strength training, when bodyweight exercises stop being enough, and how strength supports durability, posture, power transfer, and long-term health. The conversation wraps with rapid-fire cycling tech and racing talk, including Unbound Gravel predictions, 32-inch wheels, tire and equipment tradeoffs, and how Derek is helping ultra-endurance legend Lael Wilcox prepare with strength training for her around-the-world record attempt.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Derek’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedhealth- Episode 437 w/Derek: https://youtu.be/rq3YIA4FoPE?si=2AW4IPfu_jgUFZ7a- Episode 557 w/Derek: https://youtu.be/s08cTVUXCIA?si=FGzfXu7UZ3aJ254q - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →ZONE 2 ISN’T ENOUGH: WHAT CYCLISTS GET WRONG | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 586
May 2100:51:07Tap to summarize🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00) Welcome!(02:44) Training Time Distribution Across Power Zones(06:10) Comparing Structured vs Unstructured Workouts(09:03) The Impact of Training Volume on Intensity(11:49) Erg Mode vs Resistance Mode in Training(15:05) Exploring Durability in Cycling Training(26:56) Balancing Intensity and Endurance in Training(28:50) Understanding Durability and Power Output(38:09) Training for Leadville: Strategies and Insights(50:34) Preparing for Elevation: Nutrition and Equipment ChoicesIn this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast, Coach Jonathan Lee uses TrainerRoad data to explore how cyclists who reached 3, 4, and 5 watts per kilogram distributed their training intensity across more than 140,000 rides. He also covers how ERG mode may improve indoor workout completion, what the data suggests about cycling durability, and how late-ride power relates to intensity, endurance volume, and fatigue. The episode wraps with Jonathan’s Leadville 100 MTB training update, including race prep, nutrition testing, equipment choices, heat training, and altitude preparation.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →THE 50% RULE: WHEN BIG RIDES HURT YOUR FITNESS | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 585
May 1400:51:13Tap to summarize🍝 Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator! 👉 https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED00:00 Introduction to Data Analysis in Cycling Training01:22 Evaluating TrainerRoad AI Performance11:03 The 50% Rule in Training22:57 Managing Big Rides Effectively23:23 Understanding Athletic Age and Performance Metrics29:55 The Impact of Structured Training on Performance32:46 Analyzing Training Consistency and Performance42:14 Comparing Training Methods: On-Offs vs. Intervals50:47 Conclusion and Future InsightsIn this episode, Coach Jonathan Lee pulls back the curtain on TrainerRoad’s massive training dataset to show what actually separates faster, more consistent cyclists from the rest. He breaks down how TrainerRoad AI-recommended workouts are producing more power PRs while reducing workout failures, why the “50% rule” can help athletes avoid big rides that sabotage future training, and how even two hours of structured training per week can make riders perform like much younger athletes. The episode also digs into why your worst training weeks matter more than your best ones, how consistent “damage control” keeps FTP progressing, and what the data suggests about VO2 max intervals, 30/30s, threshold work, and over-unders for long-term performance gains. Throughout, Coach Jonathan emphasizes that these are observational analyses, not controlled studies, but the trends are clear: smart structure, consistent execution, and letting TrainerRoad AI manage the details can help cyclists train more effectively, skip fewer key workouts, and get faster over time.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →I SHOWED KEEGAN SWENSON MY SUB-7 LEADVILLE PLAN | UCI World Champion Reacts | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 584
May 701:10:09Tap to summarize🍝 Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator! 👉 https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator Donate to Coach Jonathan's Leadville Fundraiser: https://give.ltfoundation.org/fundraiser/6845358🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome!(00:00:56) Keegan Swenson Reviews My Leadville Sub-7 Plan(00:09:47) Why FTP Is Less Important Than Real Workout Power(00:10:28) VO2 Max Intervals and 30/30s for Leadville(00:20:39) Sweet Spot Training for Long Race Power(00:27:28) Keegan’s Leadville-Specific Training Advice(00:41:38) Leadville Bike Fit, Drop Bars, and Equipment Choices(00:49:58) Fixing Race-Day Nutrition, Sodium, and Gut Issues(01:05:31) Tire Choice, Bike Setup, and Final Leadville Prep(01:09:19) Keegan Swenson Wrap-UpLeadville course record holder and UCI XCM World Champion Keegan Swenson joins Coach Jonathan Lee to break down what it will take to chase a sub-7-hour Leadville 100, from the training that actually moves the needle to the race-day details that can make or break the goal. They dig into Coach Jonathan’s Leadville training progress, including rising FTP, weight loss, longer endurance rides, VO2 max work, sweet spot, threshold over-unders, and why athletes shouldn’t obsess over FTP when real on-bike power and consistency matter more. Keegan shares how he approaches VO2 max intervals, altitude preparation, pacing, fueling, tire choice, aerodynamics, clothing, and handling tricky Leadville sections like Powerline and the Columbine descent. They also cover how to manage big weekend rides without sabotaging key workouts, why 30/30s and longer VO2 efforts both have a place, how to prepare for high-elevation mountain bike racing, and what athletes should think about when building a smart, sustainable Leadville race strategy.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Keegan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keegels99 - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →You Got Stronger… So Why Are You Losing? | Pro Cyclist Tobin Ortenblad | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 583
Apr 3001:21:57Tap to summarize🍝 Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator! 👉 https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome!(00:02:45) Skills vs Fitness: What Really Matters?(00:08:10) The Most Overlooked Cycling Skill(00:15:20) Race Tactics That Actually Win(00:25:30) How to Make Better Decisions in Races(00:35:40) Why Pros Win (And Amateurs Don’t)(00:45:50) Positioning Secrets Most Riders Miss(00:56:30) Why Chasing FTP Can Backfire(01:03:30) Technique vs Power: What to Focus On(01:10:15) How to Balance Power and Bike Handling(01:16:30) Common Mistakes Slowing You Down(01:19:30) Lost & Found Gravel Race TalkIn this episode, Coach Jonathan Lee and pro cyclist Tobin Ortenblad dive deep into race tactics for riders who’ve become the strongest—and most marked—in the field, unpacking a listener’s dilemma of being constantly shut down after forming a dominant two-person team . They explore why “negative racing” happens, how group dynamics shift when everyone is racing against you, and why patience, emotional control, and strategic decision-making are critical to winning again. Using real-world examples from the Lifetime Grand Prix, they break down how elite riders like Keegan Swenson navigate being heavily marked, when to commit to breakaways, and why sometimes the smartest move is not to chase or even to let go of the win. The episode highlights key tactics like choosing which moves to follow, leveraging fatigue, positioning out of sight, and even redefining success by focusing on beating specific rivals rather than the whole field—offering actionable insights for cyclists looking to outsmart the competition and turn fitness into results.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Tobin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mctubbbin - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →Carb Timing Doesn’t Matter? What the Research Actually Shows | Tim Podlogar | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 582
Apr 2300:57:40Tap to summarize🍝 Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator! 👉 https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Carb Timing Debate: When Should You Fuel on Long Rides?(00:01:24) Study Overview: Testing Different Carb Timing Strategies(00:06:09) The Protocols: Progressive vs Constant vs Front-Loaded Fueling(00:07:37) Key Result: Carb Timing Didn’t Impact Performance(00:11:37) Why Real-World Racing Masks Fueling Differences(00:13:09) Practical Takeaway: Total Carbs Matter More Than Timing(00:21:28) Do Carbs Spare Glycogen? What the Research Actually Shows(00:24:50) Why Carb Intake Becomes Critical After ~2–3 Hours(00:31:10) Real-World Application: How Athletes Should Fuel(00:36:00) Energy Availability & Underfueling Risks in Endurance Athletes(00:45:08) Leadville Case Study: Fueling for Long, High-Altitude Races(00:56:16) Final Takeaways: Stop Overthinking Timing, Focus on ExecutionIn this episode, Coach Jonathan Lee sits down with researcher Dr. Tim Podlogar to unpack one of endurance sport’s most debated topics: carbohydrate timing during long efforts. They break down a controlled study comparing progressive, regressive, and constant fueling strategies over a three-hour variable-intensity ride plus a finishing time trial, revealing that performance didn’t significantly differ as long as total carbohydrate intake was sufficient. The conversation explores why real-world racing dynamics—like surges, terrain, and fueling logistics—likely override precise timing strategies, and why hitting your hourly carb targets matters more than when you take them. They also dive into practical takeaways for cyclists and triathletes, including fueling for long races, individual variability in carb absorption, gut training, hydration challenges, and how to balance energy intake for both performance and health. The key message: focus on consistent fueling, practice your strategy in training, and don’t overcomplicate timing when total intake is what truly drives results.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Tim Podlogar’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timpodlogar - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP- Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN
Transcribe →The Nutrition Model Pros ACTUALLY Use (It’s Not Calories In/Out) | Mike Postumus | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 581
Apr 1600:45:51Tap to summarize🍝 Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator! 👉 https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator 🚀 Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 www.TrainerRoad.com// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: https://trainerroad.cc/apple2 Spotify: https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2Google Podcasts: https://trainerroad.cc/google// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:02) Why Calories In vs Calories Out Is Too Simple for Athletes(00:01:56) Listener Question: High Training Load but Low Energy & Fatigue(00:04:47) What Is Energy Availability & Why It Matters (RED-S Explained)(00:05:51) How to Calculate Your Energy Availability Step-by-Step(00:09:37) Why Athletes Underfuel Without Realizing It(00:10:16) “Fuel the Work”: Why Your Calorie Needs Are Higher Than You Think(00:11:04) Rethinking Fat vs Carbs for Performance(00:12:16) Glycogen Replenishment Timing & Recovery Insights(00:14:18) Will Eating More Make You Gain Weight?(00:17:23) Finding Your Optimal Energy Availability Range(00:19:40) Periodizing Nutrition Across Training & Race Season(00:20:33) Fueling for Hard vs Easy Days (Daily Nutrition Strategy)(00:22:26) Carb Timing: How to Fuel Before Key Workouts(00:24:21) When to Focus on Weight Loss vs Performance(00:26:44) How to Safely Improve Body Composition Without Hurting Performance(00:28:11) Practical Ways to Increase Calories Without Feeling Overfull(00:31:34) Foods That Make High-Carb Fueling Easier (and What to Avoid)(00:33:10) Are Sugary Foods OK for Athletes?(00:36:00) Inside Elite Performance: What Top Pros Do Differently(00:41:29) Managing Athlete Slumps, Injury, and ComebacksIn this episode, Coach Jonathan and the team sit down with performance director Mike Postumus to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in endurance sports nutrition: energy availability and why “calories in vs. calories out” isn’t the full picture. They walk through how to properly calculate energy availability relative to fat-free mass, why chronically low intake can lead to RED-S and suppressed performance, and how many athletes unknowingly underfuel despite structured training. The conversation dives into practical strategies like periodizing nutrition across hard and easy days, prioritizing high-carbohydrate fueling for key sessions, and adjusting fat and fiber intake to support glycogen replenishment and recovery. They also address common fears around weight gain, explaining how proper fueling improves performance, recovery, and long-term body composition when applied correctly. The episode wraps with insights into elite athlete performance, highlighting how trust, consistency, and individualized fueling strategies contribute to success at the highest level.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Free Cycling Nutrition Calculator: https://trainerroad.cc/cyclingnutritioncalculator - Mike Posthumus’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_posthumus - Mike's company: https://www.sciencetosport.com- Specialized Factory Racing’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialized_factoryxc- Specialized Off-Road’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialized_offroadracing - Sign up for TrainerRoad! https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- TrainerRoad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/- TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE- TrainerRoad on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad- TrainerRoad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd- TrainerRoad on X: https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad - Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur
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