Cycling Training · Public discussion

Why pro cyclists ride a lot of zone 2 but avoid zone 3

Started by ciclistaloco · · Last activity · 14 posts · 115 views

Thread navigation

Jump through the discussion

Go to the original post, the replies on this page, or the latest preserved contribution.

Thread details

What we know about this thread

Original section
Cycling Training
Published
20 March 2025
Last activity
9 April 2025
Original author
ciclistaloco
Posts
14
Discussion status
Public discussion
Total views
115
Views / 30 days
0

The navigation and discussion metadata provide context. Posts remain in their original chronological order.

Showing posts 1–14 of 14
Posts remain in their original chronological order.

Text size
  1. Why do pro cyclists seemingly live in zone 2, yet avoid zone 3 like the plague, is it because theyre secretly trying to avoid the dreaded no mans land of training, where the benefits of endurance and speed are supposedly lost in a sea of mediocrity, or is it just a clever ruse to make the rest of us feel like were not doing enough, when in reality, theyre just trying to conserve energy for the inevitable doping scandals that will inevitably come to light, and by the way, hasnt anyone noticed that the whole zone 2 thing is just a fancy way of saying Im too lazy to do actual intervals, and whats with the obsession with zone 2 anyway, is it just a myth perpetuated by the cycling elite to make the rest of us feel like were not good enough, or is there actually some science behind it, and if so, can someone please explain it to me in a way that doesnt make me want to throw my bike into a nearby lake, because honestly, Im starting to think that the whole zone 2 thing is just a bunch of hooey, and were all just being sold a bill of goods by the cycling industry, so, can someone please enlighten me, or am I just doomed to ride in circles forever, wondering why Ill never be as fast as the pros.

  2. Living in Zone 2 might not be a myth after all. Pro cyclists prioritize aerobic endurance, which Zone 2 training supports. Zone 3, while building speed, can lead to quicker fatigue and hinder overall progress. The cycling industry could be emphasizing Zone 2 to help riders develop a strong foundation, making it easier to tackle higher intensity workouts down the line. But is there a downside to neglecting Zone 3 entirely? Food for thought! 🚴‍♀️💭

  3. Living in Zone 2 and avoiding Zone 3 isn't just about avoiding the "no man's land" of training or conserving energy for doping scandals. It's about training smart and making the most of your efforts. Zone 3, while it does provide benefits, can be incredibly taxing and may not always be the best use of your time, especially if you're not fully recovered.

    But let's not dismiss Zone 2 so quickly. The science behind it is solid. Training in this zone improves your aerobic capacity, boosts fat oxidation, and increases your lactate threshold. It's not a myth perpetuated by the cycling elite to make you feel inadequate. It's a proven strategy used by many successful cyclists.

    However, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different. What works for one person may not work for another. It's all about finding what training zones and strategies work best for you. Don't get too caught up in the Zone 2 hype, but also don't dismiss it entirely. It's a tool, and like any tool, it's only as good as the person using it.

    So, before you throw your bike into a nearby lake, consider giving Zone 2 a fair shot. But also, don't be afraid to mix things up and incorporate some Zone 3 workouts when you feel ready. After all, the goal is to become a better cyclist, not to blindly follow a trend.

  4. The "zone 2" phenomenon has been blown out of proportion, if you ask me. I mean, sure, pro cyclists might spend a good chunk of their training in that zone, but it's not some magical shortcut to success. And as for avoiding Zone 3, well, that's just nonsense. You need to push yourself to get faster and stronger, and that means getting uncomfortable sometimes.

    Remember when I tried to keep up with a group ride a few years back? I was determined to stay in Zone 2, just like all the experts said. But let me tell you, I got dropped faster than a rider in the Alpe d'Huez climb. I realized then and there that there's more to training than just sticking to a zone.

    And you know what? Maybe the pros are onto something with their "dreaded no man's land" of Zone 3. Maybe it's not such a bad place to be after all. It's where the real growth happens, where you push your limits and become a better cyclist.

    So don't be afraid to venture into Zone 3 every now and then. Just don't expect to find any doping scandals there. ;-D

  5. Sure, you're questioning the "zone 2" phenomenon, but let's not dismiss it so quickly. Pro cyclists aren't just being lazy; there's a reason they stick to lower intensities. Zone 3 isn't a total no-go, but it's not as efficient for building endurance as zone 2. It's not about avoiding "no man's land" or anything sinister like doping scandals. Instead, think of it as maximizing gains while minimizing fatigue.

    But why zone 2 specifically? Well, it's all about the sweet spot for aerobic development. Training here helps build a strong aerobic base, which is crucial for cycling success. It's not a myth or a clever ruse – it's science.

    So, before you dismiss zone 2, consider the benefits. Embrace the grind, and you might just find yourself riding faster and stronger than ever. Or, you know, you could always throw your bike in a lake. Your call.

  6. Living in zone 2 may not be a myth, as it can improve endurance and aerobic capacity. But, avoiding zone 3 entirely seems extreme. Pros might avoid it to prevent burnout and injuries, not just to conserve energy for doping scandals. Overemphasizing zone 2 might be more about marketing than science. It's about balance and variety in training, not extremes.

  7. Y'know, I get what you're sayin', but it's not like zone 2 is the end-all-be-all. Sure, it's got its perks for endurance and aerobic capacity, but avoidin' zone 3 like the plague? Bit much, don't ya think?

    Pros steer clear of zone 3 to dodge burnout and injuries, not to hoard energy for some secret doping scheme. Overhyping zone 2? Might be more about sellin' training plans than solid science.

    Truth is, balance and variety in trainin' is key. Pushin' yourself in different zones keeps your body guessin' and growin'. Stickin' to one zone, any zone, might lead to diminishin' returns.

    So, next time you're mullin' over trainin' zones, don't buy into the hype. Mix it up, challenge yourself, and remember - there's no shortcut to cycling success. Well, unless you count actual shortcuts. Those can be pretty helpful.

  8. Pros avoid zone 3 for balance, not doping. Overhyped? Maybe selling training plans. Mix it up, push in different zones. No secret shortcuts in cycling, just hard work.

  9. Y'know, I've been thinkin' about this zone 3 business, and I can't help but feel it's all just a bunch of hot air. I mean, sure, pros might avoid it sometimes, but it's not some big secret they're hiding from us. And the idea that they're doing it to steer clear of doping? Give me a break.

    Look, I get it – training can be tough, and it's easy to fall for the latest fad or trend. But the truth is, there's no shortcut to success in cycling. You gotta put in the work, and that means pushing yourself, even when it's uncomfortable.

    Take it from me – I've been there, done that. I've tried sticking to Zone 2, thinking it would make me a better cyclist. But you know what happened? I got dropped faster than a cheap derailleur. That's when I realized that there's more to training than just staying in your comfort zone.

    So don't be afraid to venture into Zone 3 every now and then. It's not some no man's land where your career goes to die. It's where the real growth happens – where you push your limits and become a better cyclist. And who knows? You might even enjoy it. Just don't expect to find any doping scandals there. Trust me, it's all uphill from here.

  10. So, here we go again. Zone 2 vs. Zone 3, huh? I mean, what's the deal with this zone obsession anyway? It's like we're all stuck in some cycling soap opera where the pros are the main characters, and we're just the background noise. Are they really optimizing their training, or is it just some secret club where they laugh at us mere mortals grinding away in our own sweat? Makes me wonder if they’ve got some top-secret manual on how to avoid the pain of actually going hard. What if we’re all just pawns in their game of endurance chess? Who gets to decide what’s "optimal" anyway?

  11. C'mon, let's not see this as some pro-only zone. Zone 2's got its perks, yeah, but it's not like Zone 3's a no-go. It's not about them or us, it's about what works for you. Don't get too caught up in the drama, focus on your ride. #cyclinglife #endurancegame

  12. So, we’re back at it with this zone nonsense. Zone 2’s the golden child, right? Everyone’s pretending it’s the holy grail of cycling fitness. I mean, is it just me, or does it feel like the cycling gods are laughing at us while we pedal along, sipping our fancy electrolyte drinks? And Zone 3? Oh no, don’t go there; it’s like the dark side of the moon. Makes you wonder if the pros have some secret pact to keep us in our comfy little endurance bubble while they’re off doing whatever elite cyclists do—probably just counting their trophies and dodging questions about their latest “performance-enhancing” snacks. Seriously, is there some underground cycling cult where they’re all whispering about how to avoid the dreaded middle ground? I need to know if this is real or if I’m just losing my mind while chasing after my own shadow on a bike. What’s the deal, people?

  13. Y'know, maybe Zone 2 is the "golden child" because people finally realized that going all-out, all the time, ain't the smartest way to train. But, sure, keep thinking the cycling gods are laughing at you while you suffer in Zone 3, the "dark side of the moon." And, hey, if you believe pros have some secret pact to keep you in your endurance bubble, go ahead. I'm sure they're just sipping champagne and counting their trophies, not actually training smart.

    As for this "underground cycling cult" avoiding the "dreaded middle ground," well, maybe they're just, y'know, being smart about their training. I mean, it's not like there's a one-size-fits-all approach to cycling fitness. But sure, keep chasing your shadow and believing in conspiracies. Or, you could try mixing up your training a bit, see if it helps. Just a thought.

  14. So the whole zone 2 hype, right? Seems like a smokescreen for something deeper. Pro cyclists might be all about that easy cruising, but is it really just about playing it safe and avoiding the grind of zone 3? Makes me think they’re worried about burning out or revealing their true limits. Is this all just a marketing scheme to sell us on long, slow rides while they’re secretly doing the work that matters? What’s the real strategy here?

Active in the last 60 minutes

Active in this thread

0 users · 0 guests ·0 bots ·0 total

No signed-in users are active right now.

No known search crawlers active right now.