Maximum Performance for Cyclists

yoyotweak said:

Anybody using the training and bike fit methods from this book by Michael J. Ross MD?

Just reading this now, it is quite different.

Any of the coaching regulars have any opinion on this approach?

M. DeKelver said:

Just reading this now, it is quite different.

Any of the coaching regulars have any opinion on this approach?

i've not read the book, i don't know the man. someone reported some of the testing methods involved in the book in the last couple of weeks at this forum. Based on that report, and some other stuff i've seen about the book (related to nutrition) and some of the stuff i've seen in the book excerpt at the link above (about e.g., weight training increasing fitness) i'd be cautious about purchasing this book.

Ric

I have read it and unlike most books of its kind he does provide citations of the studies that provide the rationale for the training methods. The emphasis is on low duration and high intensity, combined with dietary and excercise timing manipulations to enhance endurance. It seems hard to accept but I can't really find any problems with the logic other than I suspect there are limits to how much endurance for 5-10 hour events can be improved by manipulation rather than actual time on the bike.

Certainly a very time efficient method of training and for people with time contraints it's likely a good method.

mises said:

Certainly a very time efficient method of training and for people with time contraints it's likely a good method.

Simply that. Up here we can't ride from December to mid-March. Nobody wants to do 4 hour trainer sessions. It sortof leads to 'reverse periodization' concepts which alot of northern racers adopt. Do the long miles in April, intervals are for the winter! The physiological aspects of his workouts are interesting, but some may still miss the basework.

What about the block training aspect? Three days off per week? From Lemond (increasing volume, decreasing intensity) to Friel (alternate volume and intensity) to Ross (increase everything...basically a crash cycle for 4 days on, 3 off), all of these methods have been used with success.

Any comments? Does it all come down to what works best for you, and what makes you train harder resulting in supercompensation?

bump for a book I just started to read and seems kind of hokey... anyone else read this book and have an opinion to weigh in with regarding the validity of Ross's claims?