I would definitely pick a shorter workout that you can ride through. Our workouts aren’t designed for real breaks of any sort, and taking them will actually change the effectiveness of the workout in many cases.
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Come on Eddie - let’s say someone begins to experience discomfort on their trainer bike which begins to impact their performance. Just taking a strategically timed break once an hour for 1-2 minutes to stretch out, helps them keep going for another hour. Your actual advice is that it would be better to just do a 1 hour workout, than to take a couple minute break and complete a 2 hour workout, because it will change the effectiveness? I realize that isn’t exactly what you said, but that is exactly how some people will interpret it.
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Clearly!! 
What @Pamin100 asked was if they could stop for a coffee ~halfway through an hour and 15-minute workout. I’d say, no, that’s not going to be productive. Pick the 60-minute workout instead.
Of course, as you pointed out, @KonaSS, what I said doesn’t necessarily apply to every single situation. If you’re doing 2+ hour long trainer rides, you might have to step off the bike for a moment, which I understand, but I’d keep those breaks as short as possible if you want to gain the intended training stimulus.
This will all change soon, though, as we’ll give you credit for the work you actually did rather than the level of the workout if you simply “pass” once the new Beta becomes public. This means that we’ll recognize if you’ve taken breaks and adjust your workout score based on that, because we can likely all agree that the work done is slightly different when you stop to catch your breath or have a coffee break vs. pedaling through a workout. 
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That’s good to know, I can actually ride one handed for short spells but cannot do anything useful with the free hand.
Kind Regards
Phil Chrystal
I think the devil is in the details here.
1-5 minute stop during the middle of a 3 hour z2 ride to take a leak? Don’t worry about it.
1 minute stop that extends a 1-2 minute recovery interval during VO2’s? Yeah - that makes a difference. Breaking during the “work” interval - yeah, don’t do that.
If you’ve got a 5 minute recovery interval, and you break for an extra 60 seconds to take a drink and eat, probably making a small difference, but not the end of the world.
15 minute break? That’s about as long as I like doing under any circumstance because your body starts thinking it’s time to shut it down and recover. Only time I approach that is a long Z2 ride outside when it’s maybe a stop in the middle of a 4-6 hour ride and more casual, or it’s required to pick up more fuel/hydration at a pit stop but I still try and keep it to 10 or less if it’s a hard one.
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Thanks Eddie, I think today described it: 1hr Hubbard VO2 max, yes rpe very hard, but without the numbness I could have done another set. I’ll stick to 60 mins as you suggest, you answered what I was asking. I’m in this to build fitness for summer, I’m a 69 yo recreational cyclist, not after bragging rights, just want to hit the good weather in good shape.
Enjoying the programme, keeps me at it in the plan.
I never meant 15 mins off either, just 3 or 4 for a quick espresso and relive the numbness in a longer recovery part between sets.
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It sounds like you’re on the right track.
I’d definitely consider a bike fit or at least a new saddle if you’re struggling with numbness. That should be a relatively easy thing to fix. 
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I read this thread the other day and it popped in my head after todays workout. I had to take two 10-ish minute breaks (each during the rest periods) of a threshold 3.5 workout (such is life when dealing with a 3-year old who sometimes wakes up early and demands a specific parent).
While I completed the workout the new AI recognized these breaks and “down-graded” the level to a 2.5. Kind of interesting. And perhaps solves the issue/question of the affect that breaks/pauses have in a workout.
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There is no debate about whether to take a short break — you should do so if it is necessary to relieve discomfort. The key considerations are timing and duration.
Breaks should not be taken during VO₂ max or threshold intervals, as these efforts are sufficiently short to be completed uninterrupted. Similarly, sweet spot intervals generally do not require breaks, as they are not excessively long. However, during longer SS efforts — such as 4–6 × 20-minute intervals at ~90% or intervals exceeding 30 minutes — it is reasonable to take a brief break of up to one minute during the recovery period, if needed.
For endurance rides, I would not interrupt a two-hour session. However, during extended indoor rides of 3-5 hours, I consistently step off after two hours to change bibs; also, I change my jersey approximately every hour, but sitting on the trainer. These breaks typically last no more than one minute. I keep all replacement clothing within reach, along with additional water and gels, to ensure any break is efficient and uninterrupted.
There is no benefit in pushing through unnecessary discomfort on the trainer. Saddle soreness due to sweat accumulation — particularly over multiple long sessions, even with adequate cooling — is entirely normal and avoidable. Breaks should therefore be taken as needed, provided their timing is appropriate and their duration is minimal.
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