strength workouts and mtb racing

cheo said:

I've been racing xc for about 5 years now and started going to the gym only 2 months ago focusing on my core and upper body for the upcoming season. I go to the gym 3 times a week and also follow a periodization plan that has me peaking in late May.

My question: Do I continue the strength workouts as I near my peak and through the rest of the year? I've read for road racing that you phase out strength training, but I'm unsure about mtb racing.
Thanks

weights to improve performance in these (MTB, RR) and other endurance cycling sports are all pretty much a waste of time as they're more likely detrimental to performance rather than beneficial. lots of threads in this section about weights/gym etc. if you're doing the gym/weights for other reasons (e.g., injury, look more muscular, etc) then that's a different issue

ric

Thanks Ric,
I know it's a subject that's been beaten to death and I agree with you about endurance cycling and weights.
But for MTB, isn't it beneficial to have a strong upper body and core to absorb the abuse of a technical race course? My problem in some of the longer races (2+ hours) was that I felt fine endurance-wise towards the end of a race. But the constant pounding of the technical terrain seemed to suck the motivation right out of me. My thinking was that a stronger upper body/core can absorb the punishment longer and efficiently, keeping me more motivated, therefore improving my ride. Am I wrong?
thanks

cheo said:

Thanks Ric,
I know it's a subject that's been beaten to death and I agree with you about endurance cycling and weights.
But for MTB, isn't it beneficial to have a strong upper body and core to absorb the abuse of a technical race course? My problem in some of the longer races (2+ hours) was that I felt fine endurance-wise towards the end of a race. But the constant pounding of the technical terrain seemed to suck the motivation right out of me. My thinking was that a stronger upper body/core can absorb the punishment longer and efficiently, keeping me more motivated, therefore improving my ride. Am I wrong?
thanks

it's unlikely that being stronger will solve this issue, as it's pounding punishment as opposed to lack of strength being the issue. if you do some hard off-road rides on similar terrain on a regular basis this will most likely be of better benefit. i'm leaving aside issues of equipment here.

ric