Is high-intensity training really the most effective way to increase cycling stamina for long-distance touring, or are we just buying into the latest trend in cycling culture. It seems like every cycling coach and expert is now preaching the gospel of high-intensity interval training as the key to unlocking endurance gains, but is this really the best approach for riders who are planning to spend hours in the saddle each day.
Can high-intensity training truly prepare riders for the unique demands of long-distance touring, where the goal is often to ride at a moderate pace for an extended period of time, rather than to push oneself to exhaustion in a short, intense effort. Or are we simply applying a training method that was developed for competitive cyclists to a type of riding that requires a very different set of skills and physical adaptations.
Is it possible that the emphasis on high-intensity training is actually doing more harm than good for long-distance tourists, by leaving them exhausted and demotivated, rather than building the endurance and stamina they need to complete their rides. Should we be focusing on other types of training, such as long, slow distance rides, or strength training, as a way to build the endurance and stamina we need for long-distance touring.