This is the response that Coach Tim Rucker wrote in response to a question about the early season benefits of the Winter Cycling Camps. I think this explains the value the camp can give a cyclist beyond the base fitness.
Hi,
John forwarded you’re e-mail on to me so I could answer your questions about the training. Getting started into the Winter Cycling Camp ASAP would really benefit your performance on the bike next year. As we work through the Cycling Camp we will explain all the different intervals (their purpose, when to use them, how to do them, etc) and with the use of the Computrainer you will get solid data on how you performed on each interval. I know it seems strange, but something as simple as a Power Interval (go all out for X amount of time) is often performed incorrectly but the errors do not show up unless we are looking at power. After you go through a class focused on a specific interval you will know how an interval should feel and the correct way to do it, so then you can go and do it on your own at home or out on the road (if the weather happens to be nice enough in November).
In addition to this, the Winter Cycling Camp will help keep you on track throughout the winter. It is easy for training to get bumped down the priority list through the holidays and when the racing season is still far off. With a regular trainer day plus extra “homework” during the week your off season training will have more structure and purpose, which will definitely help keep you focused during the colder months.
