Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad · TrainerRoad

WHY YOUR ZONE 2 TRAINING ISN’T WORKING — AND HOW TO FIX IT | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 531

·1 hr 25 min·8 clips

Tobin Ortenblad explains why he now prefers longer VO2 max intervals over short bursts for gravel racing.

This episode features Coach Jonathan Lee and professional cyclist Tobin Ortenblad discussing training and racing. They address listener-submitted questions on a range of cycling topics. Ortenblad shares insights from his experience in cyclocross, gravel, and mountain bike racing. The conversation covers rapid-fire questions on gear preferences like sock placement and dropper posts versus flight attendant suspension. Ortenblad explains his preference for longer VO2 max intervals and 20-minute FTP tests over ramp tests. He names Lost and Found as his favorite gravel race and expresses dislike for Leadville due to altitude. The hosts analyze a listener's frustration with gravel race tactics, comparing them to road racing dynamics. They discuss the role of ego in tactical decisions and conserving energy in groups. A detailed question from a former sprinter struggling with endurance despite zone two training is examined. The athlete reports difficulty maintaining 75% of FTP for hours but achieving 110% normalized power for an hour. Lee and Ortenblad analyze whether this indicates an inaccurate FTP or a specific physiological profile. They reference the concept of "NP busters" in criterium racing. The discussion highlights how normalized power can be inflated by repeated surges rather than steady output. Ortenblad recounts a specific race at Levi's GranFondo where he and Tyler Williams worked to reel in a breakaway. He describes pulling between 380 and 430 watts for roughly 40 minutes during that effort. The conversation emphasizes the importance of flexibility in training, with Ortenblad explaining he and his coach dynamically adjust plans based on fatigue and race results. He stresses the value of rest and self-honesty in training. The tone is casual and conversational, blending humor with practical advice. The style is interview-based, with the host prompting the guest to share opinions and experiences. Listeners interested in training methodologies, race tactics, and professional insights would enjoy this episode. Those seeking a highly structured, single-topic deep dive might find the broad range of questions less focused.

As heard by us

Zone 2 is treated here as a pacing problem, not a slogan.

Zone 2 training is framed here as a pacing problem, not a slogan. The episode moves quickly at the start, then turns a listener's frustration into something practical: why a rider can be strong in short efforts and still struggle to hold steady power for hours, and how average…

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Why you'd press play

If steady rides still feel harder than sprinting, this episode digs into why.

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