You Got Stronger… So Why Are You Losing? | Pro Cyclist Tobin Ortenblad | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 583

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// 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 Talk

In 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

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