Originally Posted by
Iride01
I've always thought that intervals are only needed by those that cycle in flat areas. The constantly rolling terrain I ride in around here gives me plenty of interval training.
I've got no argument with what he says about dieting on the bike. He's only talking to those that want to be able to perform their best. Not to everyone that is riding a bike.
Flatlander here - intervals absolutely help me when on the hills.
I can say that I don't see huge gains in my FTP from intervals over non structured training, group rides or tons of Z2 - FTP goes up at about the same rate +/-, slow and steady.
What I do see is vast improvements in my ability to ride within or at my threshold without blowing up. The ability to do multiple repeat efforts at threshold level during a longer ride, and better recovery from those efforts. And my all day cruising speed increases as well.