I worked hard during the Winter to raise my FTP, was able to gradually increase it from the 240 range indoors in February, to a recent test with 275. I am a 53 year old male, 175 lbs. I did two separate tests about a month apart recently, 2x8 and a 20 minute all out effort, and came up with the same FTP. I did the first test in early May and the second test a few days ago. So in the last two months I have hit a plateau.
I have been riding six days a week, with a long ride on the weekends of 2-3 hours with a few 4 hour rides mixed in. Weekday rides are usually an hour with a mix of short and long intervals. It is extremely hilly where I live, so I am usually climbing 1000 feet per hour, sometimes more. I try to work the hills during the long rides. The rest of my riding is zone 2.
I am looking for suggestions on how to break through this plateau. I do most of my riding outdoors now since the weather is so good and it is daylight at 5:30. I have no interest in riding on the trainer this time of year unless it is raining. Should I try longer intervals where I really push the pace closed to 90% for 20-30 minutes at a time during my long ride? Any other suggestions?
I have been riding six days a week, with a long ride on the weekends of 2-3 hours with a few 4 hour rides mixed in. Weekday rides are usually an hour with a mix of short and long intervals. It is extremely hilly where I live, so I am usually climbing 1000 feet per hour, sometimes more. I try to work the hills during the long rides. The rest of my riding is zone 2.
I am looking for suggestions on how to break through this plateau. I do most of my riding outdoors now since the weather is so good and it is daylight at 5:30. I have no interest in riding on the trainer this time of year unless it is raining. Should I try longer intervals where I really push the pace closed to 90% for 20-30 minutes at a time during my long ride? Any other suggestions?