Should I Prioritize Explosive Power or Endurance for XC Racing?

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// TOPICS COVERED

(0:00:00) Intro – Solo Q&A: Weight Loss, VO₂ Max & More  

(0:00:35) Lose Weight Without Losing FTP  

(0:05:00) TrainerRoad Plans for Power & Body Comp  

(0:06:25) MTB Starts – Aerobic Fitness vs. Explosivity  

(0:12:18) VO₂ Slow Component Explained  

(0:16:00) Build Muscle Efficiency with Tempo & Sweet Spot  

(0:19:32) Heat & PSI – Tire and Suspension Tips  

(0:23:56) Power on Technical MTB Courses  

(0:31:28) Training for Older Cyclists  

(0:34:58) Cape Epic Prep – Running & Heat Adaptation  

(0:42:29) Strength Training Integration  

(0:46:02) Little Sugar Tire Insights  

(0:48:56) Mixing Cycling with Backcountry Skiing  

(0:50:53) Leadville Prep & Race Analysis  

(0:57:15) Using Goal-Based Plans in Off-Season  

(0:58:51) Zone 2 Intensity – Train Smarter  

(1:05:21) Frequency vs. Volume for Fitness  

(1:08:33) Why Consistency Beats Perfection

Coach Jonathan Lee tackles your top training questions in this solo Q&A episode — from losing weight without sacrificing FTP to mastering VO₂ max, Zone 2, and aerobic fitness. He breaks down how to train smarter for bike races, manage heat and tire pressure, structure off-season plans, and balance strength, cross-training, and cycling for year-round performance.

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