Originally Posted by
rubiksoval
Yeah, this is good. It's essentially my go-to.
In training, pedal as much as possible and put out as many kJ as possible (including group rides, which may necessitate riding at the front or off the back a bit as needed to continue pedaling, or even doing a workout before the ride to get in the necessary work...all depending on your fitness and the ride).
In racing, do the exact opposite. See how little work you can actually do when in the bunch.
Good way to approach things.
The magic is knowing when it's time to burn matches and when it's time to chill. Where you chill is also important. If you're caught behind a split, or missed the winning breakaway, because you got comfy too far back in the pack, you just cost yourself the chance to compete at the finish. This is the stuff that comes with experience.