Are periodized training plans truly effective for gravel racing, considering the unpredictable and varied nature of the terrain and courses, or are they just a lazy attempt to apply familiar road training methodologies to a vastly different discipline, and wouldnt a more dynamic and adaptable approach be more effective in preparing athletes for the demands of gravel racing.
Moreover, how can one accurately quantify and measure the physical demands of gravel racing when the courses are often characterized by mixed surfaces, obstacles, and technical sections that defy traditional notions of wattage output and heart rate monitoring, and isnt it more practical to focus on tactical skills and bike handling techniques rather than relying solely on power data and physiological metrics.
Additionally, whats the point of emphasizing endurance training for gravel racing when the actual events are often won by riders who excel at explosive efforts and technical sections, and shouldnt training programs prioritize these specific skills rather than trying to build up a hypothetical endurance base that may or may not translate to actual performance on the course.
And isnt it time to move beyond the outdated concept of Zone 2 training and instead focus on building anaerobic capacity and muscular endurance, which are far more relevant to the demands of gravel racing, where riders need to be able to accelerate repeatedly and recover quickly rather than just plodding along at a steady state pace.
Lastly, can we please stop pretending that training for gravel racing is just a matter of adding some dirt and gravel rides to an otherwise standard road training plan, and instead recognize that it requires a fundamentally different approach that prioritizes skills, strategy, and adaptability over pure physiological fitness.
Moreover, how can one accurately quantify and measure the physical demands of gravel racing when the courses are often characterized by mixed surfaces, obstacles, and technical sections that defy traditional notions of wattage output and heart rate monitoring, and isnt it more practical to focus on tactical skills and bike handling techniques rather than relying solely on power data and physiological metrics.
Additionally, whats the point of emphasizing endurance training for gravel racing when the actual events are often won by riders who excel at explosive efforts and technical sections, and shouldnt training programs prioritize these specific skills rather than trying to build up a hypothetical endurance base that may or may not translate to actual performance on the course.
And isnt it time to move beyond the outdated concept of Zone 2 training and instead focus on building anaerobic capacity and muscular endurance, which are far more relevant to the demands of gravel racing, where riders need to be able to accelerate repeatedly and recover quickly rather than just plodding along at a steady state pace.
Lastly, can we please stop pretending that training for gravel racing is just a matter of adding some dirt and gravel rides to an otherwise standard road training plan, and instead recognize that it requires a fundamentally different approach that prioritizes skills, strategy, and adaptability over pure physiological fitness.
Periodized training plans can be a bit like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole when it comes to gravel racing. While they might work for road cycling, gravel racing is a whole different beast! 
