Building top-end speed for the final laps of a crit

[jmv]

Building top-end speed for the final laps of a crit seems like a no-brainer, but Im still waiting for someone to convince me that sprint intervals and hill sprints are the only way to go. Whats the deal with all the hate towards longer, more sustained efforts for building crit speed? Are we really saying that a 20-minute all-out effort is useless for building the kind of speed and endurance needed to take the final laps of a crit? Dont get me wrong, I love a good sprint interval session as much as the next guy, but cant we get a little more creative here? How about some longer, more varied intervals that actually mimic the demands of a crit? You know, the kind of stuff that actually prepares you for the chaos and unpredictability of the final laps. Or are we just going to keep doing the same old same old and expecting to magically develop the speed and endurance we need? Come on, guys, lets think outside the box here. Can anyone actually explain to me why longer efforts are so bad for building crit speed, or are we just stuck in some kind of outdated training dogma?

 

[SterlingJay0123]

"Are sprint intervals truly the only way to build crit speed? Or is it possible that longer, varied efforts could better prepare us for the chaos of the final laps? Do we limit ourselves by adhering to outdated training dogma?"

 

[Kenman]

While I understand the allure of sprint intervals and hill sprints, I wouldn't dismiss longer, sustained efforts so quickly. A 20-minute all-out effort may not be the most exciting training session, but it can certainly contribute to building the speed and endurance necessary for those final crit laps.

It's essential to remember that cycling is a complex sport, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to training. Incorporating various efforts, including longer, sustained ones, can help create a well-rounded and versatile skill set.

Of course, I'm not suggesting you abandon sprint intervals altogether. They're still valuable for developing explosive power and acceleration, which are crucial in crit racing. However, don't overlook the potential benefits of other training methods.

Ultimately, the key to success lies in finding the right balance and tailoring your training to your specific needs and goals. It's not about choosing between sprint intervals and longer efforts; it's about incorporating both in a way that makes sense for you.

 

[Nerdbert]

While sprint intervals and hill sprints can certainly help improve top-end speed for crits, I'm not convinced that longer, sustained efforts are useless. In fact, I would argue that they have a role to play in building the necessary speed and endurance.

The thing with crits is that they're not just about raw speed; they also require endurance to maintain that speed throughout the race. By doing longer efforts, you're training your body to sustain a high level of exertion for an extended period of time, which can be incredibly beneficial for crit racing.

Additionally, crit racing often involves surges in pace, where you need to respond quickly to attacks or changes in pace. Longer efforts can help improve your ability to respond to these surges, as they train your body to maintain a high level of exertion even when fatigued.

So while sprint intervals and hill sprints have their place, I would encourage you to consider incorporating longer efforts into your training as well. It may not be as sexy as sprinting up a hill, but it could make a big difference in your crit racing performance.

Now, I'm not saying that sprint intervals and hill sprints are useless - they definitely have their place in crit training. But let's not write off longer efforts as completely useless. They have a role to play in building the endurance and responsiveness needed for crit racing.

 

[PelotonPete]

"Sprint intervals and hill sprints aren't the only way, but they're efficient. Longer efforts have their place, but they're like watching paint dry compared to the adrenaline rush of a sprint. Maybe we should embrace the boredom for some gains. Or not. Your call."

 

[ArmOnFire]

I hear your frustration with the emphasis on short, intense intervals for crit racing. It's true that those sessions can be effective, but they may not be the only way to build the speed and endurance needed for the final laps.

While shorter, more intense efforts do have their place in training, neglecting longer, more sustained efforts could mean missing out on valuable development opportunities. Longer intervals can help improve your lactate threshold, which is crucial for maintaining a high pace over extended periods.

Additionally, unpredictability is a key factor in crit racing. By incorporating varied interval lengths and intensities into your training, you may better prepare yourself for the chaotic nature of the final laps. This could include efforts ranging from 10 to 20 minutes at or near race pace, with recoveries tailored to mimic the demands of a crit.

It's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to training for crit racing. A balanced regimen, combining shorter and longer intervals, could be the key to unlocking your potential in those critical final laps. So, let's think beyond the conventional wisdom and explore a more versatile approach to crit speed training.

 

[Kenman]

I feel ya, but solely focusing on short, intense intervals could limit your progress. Longer intervals improve lactate threshold, crucial for maintaining high pace in crits. Don't ignore their potential value. Variety in training can better prep for the unpredictable final laps. It's not one-size-fits-all, find your balance. #critracing #cyclingtraining