Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad WHY LOW CADENCE COULD HOLD YOU BACK | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 538
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Jul 3, 2025 Hannah Otto, a professional cyclist racing for Scott Bikes, shares her gritty experiences from intense races like Unbound. She discusses the underestimated importance of cadence, revealing how low cadence can hinder performance and fatigue resistance. Insights into nutrition and training for multi-stage events, like the Tour de France, highlight caloric needs and energy management. Additionally, Hannah dives into the challenges of pacing on mountainous trails and the mental toughness required to overcome adversities in cycling.
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Choose 30-tooth Chainring for Leadville
- Use a 30-tooth chainring for Leadville to maintain manageable cadence at low speeds and avoid walking.
- Prioritize gear choices that offer a safe margin over maximum speed to accommodate fatigue and technical challenges.
Low Cadence Increases Muscle Fatigue
- Riding at low cadence places higher demand on fast twitch muscle fibers, increasing fatigue during long efforts like Leadville.
- Training to increase cadence even slightly can reduce muscular fatigue and improve endurance performance.
Hannah's Vomiting Challenge at Unbound
- Hannah Otto vomited repeatedly from mile 110 to the finish during the brutal Unbound Gravel race due to fueling and hydration issues.
- Despite this, she pushed through to finish without regrets, exemplifying mental toughness and resilience.
