Training for xco

[Cyclenatic]

Ok i dont know what to do anymore!! I train quite hard(i think) but feels like ime suffering more and more every race!! had a xco race the past Saturday where it fel like ime dieing the first 2 laps and then went bit better... then sunday i raced a flat fast 36km race and did real good..

 

my question is why am i suffering so in the xco cuz ime not unfit! And how does xco training differ from longer distance races?

[Behan]

intervals dude... INTERVALS!!!

[Cyclenatic]

intervals dude... INTERVALS!!!

i do.. must i do longer intervals? and is it more important to ride longer rides?? i do about 20-25km per day(ONLY HILLS) and should i take more rest days?

[Enticement]

Ok i dont know what to do anymore!! I train quite hard(i think) but feels like ime suffering more and more every race!! had a xco race the past Saturday where it fel like ime dieing the first 2 laps and then went bit better... then sunday i raced a flat fast 36km race and did real good..

 

my question is why am i suffering so in the xco cuz ime not unfit! And how does xco training differ from longer distance races?

 

Speedy, its like training for a 100m vs training for a marathon! Your body utilizes different energy systems in the respective mountain bike disciplines - XCO high intensity and bursts of power whereas XCM uses sustained effort over longer periods. A well conditioned XCO rider can easily adapt to XCM competition but not visa versa. So, if you really want to do well in mountain bike races, prepare for XCO. However that requires focused training, not only riding! And it is much more than just "doing intervals" ...