POWER ISN’T ENOUGH: WHAT PRO CYCLISTS DO DIFFERENTLY | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 593

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// TOPICS COVERED

(00:00:00) Welcome!

(00:00:48) How Pros Beat Negative Race Tactics

(00:08:15) Alexey’s SBT GRVL Slick-Tire Gamble

(00:13:20) Have Ultra-Wide Gravel Wheels Gone Too Far?

(00:24:44) What Young Pros Still Need to Learn

(00:29:31) Why Power Alone Doesn’t Win Gravel Races

(00:37:52) Jonathan’s Leadville Shakedown Setup

(00:42:28) Listener Question: Best Tires for Big Sugar

(00:47:59) 170,000 Cyclists: How Good Is Your Power?

(00:57:16) Base, Build, or Specialty: When Do You Improve?

(01:05:45) Why Most Cyclists Train Too Hard

(01:10:24) Why Pros Don’t Suffer Every Ride

Pro gravel racer Alexey Vermeulen joins Coach Jonathan Lee to explain why power alone does not win races, including how he handles negative tactics, identifies the right moment to attack, and adapts when a race stops following the plan. Alexey breaks down his SBT GRVL equipment gamble, from racing slick tires to 35 mm internal-width aero wheels, and shares what the next generation of gravel pros still needs to learn beyond producing huge watts. Jonathan and Alexey also answer a listener question on choosing durable tires for Big Sugar, compare the classic Coggan power chart with real data from more than 170,000 cyclists, and analyze where nearly 35,000 athletes actually improve during base, build, and specialty training. Plus: why most cyclists ride too hard, how pros use restraint to complete training blocks, and why easier workouts can produce faster, more reliable race-day performance.

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