High-cadence efforts might not be as flashy as sprint peaks, but dismissing them as irrelevant is a rookie mistake. While it's true that mass-starts can be unpredictable, riders with superior endurance and positioning don't magically appear – they're built through targeted training, including high-cadence sessions.
Consider this: if everyone's solely focused on endurance and positioning, won't they all end up looking the same? Velocity is a product of cadence and torque; neglecting cadence is like ignoring half the equation.
As for real-world evidence, studies show that high-cadence training improves lactate threshold, pedaling efficiency, and even aerobic capacity. So no, it's not just theory.
Now, don't get me wrong, endurance and tactical positioning are vital. But focusing exclusively on those aspects risks producing one-dimensional riders. A truly formidable cyclist needs a balanced arsenal, including high-cadence prowess.
So, instead of debating which metric matters most, why not embrace a holistic approach? After all, variety is the spice of cycling life!