It’s Rochelle and the guy from SA.
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Frankly, I think that most people are overthinking the training/skills aspect of performance when comparing to 2019 for all of these riders
There was a global pandemic that started in 2020 that completely upended the entirely of societies around the world and more than a few of us have struggled with that, including people who race their bikes.
I’d chalk up >80% of the variation in performances to that.
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read also: Jolanda Neff Raced on 'Legs & Heart' Without a Bike Computer or Power Meter at the Tokyo Olympics - Pinkbike
She (Jolanda) gives the impression that it’s just go out and ride. I always wonder what the real truth is here. Ditch the computer and just go? Is that it?
A bit stupid to ask this in a training program forum still I found this extraordinary to read…
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Skills at the top level of XC MTB can give you so much free speed so “just go and ride” in training makes a lot of sense for MTB. Road racing is more a fitness test…if you don’t crash out a lot like G. Thomas (he needs to work on his attention or bike handling for sure).
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You have to keep in mind she is one of the best in the world and has had access to the best coaching from a very young age, and has been in a professional training program for well over a decade. MvdP’s coach mentioned it when they were doing tour intervals, but it applies to most of the pro’s who focus so much of their life on biking performance, they develop a really good feel for different effort levels. They can go out and hit power zones consistently without needing to see the numbers. It really is the expanding mind meme when you compete on that level.
However, I would argue for racing short distances in crits, cyclocross, XC you will benefit more from ignoring the metrics and going all out by feel. These are the type of events where you can set hour PRs and they should be on the verge of blowing up the whole time. Add in course variability on the mountain bike plus a ton of experience racing and feel is certainly better than limiting yourself based on numbers.
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Also in MTB the terrain often naturally forces you into interval training. I.e. repeated punchy climbs. Similar thing if you live in the mountains as a road cyclist. I spent a couple of weeks on holiday in the Alps once and “just rode” every day with no real plan other than exploring and enjoying the fresh air and scenery. Got a significant boost in aerobic fitness off similar hours to normal because “just riding” on that terrain meant that about 2/3 of every ride was spent at high tempo to sweetspot.
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This all veers into a separate topic, and we may want to move this into one for the sake of appropriate discussion.
On the idea of data vs not, there is some great stuff from Ned Overend on the fact that he never used (and still doesn’t) use any data or even “structured” training. He “just rides” but does so with intent. I can find that if people are interested.
On Yolanda, the PB article and much of the comments dove into the fact that many do still train with data, but either ignore it (only tracking for future review) or ditch tech entirely for racing. This, just like anything else in our world, is open for use as needed be each person. There is no single right answer, pro “approved” or otherwise.
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Good points!
I wonder what plan they follow…is that also based on feel? Or are they in that of a state that they even know what workout they need to get there without even thinking about it?
#Ned Overend
Yes @mcneese.chad I am definitely interested in reading that!
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ETA: This might have had some good stuff too.
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Thanks! I like this stuff being 46 myself…
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Tinker has some good stuff with the aging side as well:
Thanks! The old men club!
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Thanks mate! Keeps my busy for a few nights! Listening to Ned already 
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No HR and no power in the podcast…until I looked it up on Ned’s Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/5313281636/overview looks like a power meter to me 
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Ha, maybe the old man is learning some new tricks 
I wouldn’t necessarily use Jolanda as a bastion of optimal training methods. Based on what she’s said on interviews about strength and conditioning etc I suspect some of her success is more due to natural talent, skill work, and in spite of her training not because of it.
I’m sure she follows intervals and trains by power etc when told to, but she seems ambivalent to a lot of training methodology.
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I don’t think anybody is watching power numbers in short offroad races (xco or cx). It’s pointless, just go as hard as you can, and trust that your training prepared you to do that for the duration of the race. The only reason to back off is because of tactics when racing with others. As it’s a mass start race, you don’t need to be your absolute fastest, you just need to be faster than the others.
Plus is pretty hard to look at you garmin during the race.
Lots will still record power and HR, but it’s for analysis afterwards and to prepare the next race.
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There’s context needed here.
Riding to power in an actual XC race (under 90mins) on a ‘legit’ course is essentially impossible. Not, if you’re trying to win. There’s just too much happening. Power is insanely staccato in a MTB race. If it’s not, the course is likely not ‘legit’.
I’ve done a fair amount of XC racing and a lot of solo XC race simulations. Without doubt, the most important tool for pacing is RPE and intimate course knowledge. Having a precise internal perception of your ability to tolerate varied over and well over threshold efforts during your race, is a huge factor in success.
On a personal level, my race simulations taught me precise pacing, without any metrics. In fact, I’d say without these skills a rider could never reach the absolute top echelons of the sport, in any categories. Track riders are another perfect example.
There’s no question that a significant proportion of current amateur road cyclists are far too reliant on metrics. I’d go as far as saying that if I was coaching young riders, even if their goals were road. I’d have them do 60-90min MTB XC race simulations with no live data. These individual simulations are possibly the hardest efforts to pace, on any bike.
This high level varied pacing skill would give them an advantage over regular road only cyclists. Additionally this XC MTB training, also gives any rider, better cadence adaptability and greater seated power. Not to mention significant bike handling benefits.
I think it’s been well demonstrated now, that some cross disciple cycling training, particularly when young, gives substantial benefits later in the riders career.
I do believe that you should record the data, both power and HR. As, analysis is very useful, post effort. This data helps inform your next effort.
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