Unsuccessful Attacks
Are you having difficulty with your attacks at the races? There could be a few reasons why. One thing could be insufficient VO2 max/threshold. If you ride with the fastest people, it’s usually difficult to stay with the group. If you’re having problems with this, there won’t be any chances to make serious attacks from the distance before you increase the threshold. When you eventually get a bigger aerobic engine, you’ll realize if it really is an insufficient VO2 max/threshold, which was the problem all along, or that it was an insufficient anaerobic power. VO2 max plays a major part in the minutes where attacks go on, and are single quality, which could be the difference to make a successful break.
If you don’t know what VO2 Max is, it’s the maximum amount of oxygen in milliliters that a person can use in one minute per kilogram of body weight. Those who are physically fit have higher VO2 max values than a person that doesn’t.
When you’re riding with the fastest people and aren’t getting the attacks that you want, it could also be timing. VO2 max plays a role in the minutes where the attacks may go. Unsuccessful attacks may be caused by insufficient anaerobic power and sprint. What usually happens is the group reacts when they see you jump and try to catch up quickly because there isn’t enough punch in your attack.
There could also be tactical mistakes that you are making. Separating yourself from the group can be hard because you’re competing with people at your level that dream of winning races. They’re not going to let you ride solo without chasing you to the finish line. If you’re not stronger than your opponent, then you’ll have to use your head to win the race. Instead of making aggressive power attacks, try a slow attack so the riders won’t notice. The riders will probably think that you just got tired and needed a break. You’ll get a gap for free and the bunch won’t react in time because you didn’t scare them with an aggressive power attack. Also there is no need for an anaerobic burst to make the gap what helps you find a better chance to find a decent pacing strategy.