Unleashing the Power Within: Zach Nehr's Quest for Cycling Excellence
Are you ready to be inspired by a story of pushing boundaries and defying limits? Zach Nehr, an ambitious cyclist, is on a mission to unlock his true potential and chase a power level that rivals the elite WorldTour riders. But here's the twist: he's doing it all from the comfort of his basement!
Zach has always been a go-getter, but he's now determined to leave his comfort zone behind and embark on a journey that will challenge him like never before. He's setting his sights on an incredible Functional Threshold Power (FTP) of 450W, a goal that will push him beyond his limits and redefine what's possible.
But why this sudden urge to go all-in? Zach reflects on his life, realizing that he's been cruising at a comfortable 80% for too long. He's had successes, but he wants more. Much more.
As he looks back on his teenage years, Zach remembers the days when he thought homework and soccer practice were tough. Little did he know that life had bigger challenges in store. The adults were right; responsibilities and commitments pile up as you grow older. But Zach isn't settling for that mundane existence.
Over the years, Zach has balanced his cycling passion with a 'normal' life, enjoying weekends, socializing, and indulging in the occasional fried chicken. He wasn't living like a pro cyclist, and he's okay with that. But now, he's ready for a change.
His recent races, including the Lauf Gravel Worlds and USA Gravel Nationals, have left him wanting more. Despite impressive performances, Zach wonders, "What if I gave it my all? What heights could I reach?"
Thus, the "Road to 450w FTP" was born. With an initial FTP of 385w, Zach could easily reach 400w, but that's not his style. He aims higher, setting his sights on 450w, a number that puts him in the league of the world's best riders.
And this is the part most people miss... Zach compares himself to the powerhouses of cycling, like Filippo Ganna, Mathieu Van der Poel, and Wout Van Aert, who boast FTPs closer to 500w. But they're taller and heavier. Then there are the featherweights, like Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, who, despite their small frames, can hold incredible power-to-weight ratios.
Tadej Pogačar, the exception to every rule, likely has an FTP of around 450w, showcasing his exceptional ability to drop the competition with ease.
For Zach, the ideal comparison lies with riders of similar height and weight, like Isaac Del Toro and Florian Lipowitz. These riders, with their strong and powerful builds, are pushing close to 450w for an hour. And in the world of gravel and eSports cycling, athletes like Matt Beers are taking it even further.
But here's where it gets controversial... Zach compares himself to the three-time UCI eSport Cycling World Champion, Jason Osborne, who has an FTP of 460w and the ability to push 550w anaerobically for five minutes. Osborne is in a league of his own, racing like Pogačar and dominating every race. Zach asks himself, "Why not me?"
As a racer and coach, Zach has dedicated a decade to learning the secrets of performance. He shares the three pillars that are driving his ambitious attempt:
Mental Toughness and Commitment: Zach's mantra, "I will not choose to give up," has transformed his mindset. He's learned to push through the pain and unlock better performances.
Zone 2 and VO2 Max Training: Zach's training plan focuses on VO2 Max intervals, Zone 2 rides, and recovery. He's found a balance that allows steady gains without burnout.
Torgue Intervals: Low-cadence, high-power intervals have improved Zach's fatigue resistance and overall power output. He performs these intervals seated, targeting a cadence of 40-60 rpm and power between tempo and threshold.
So, what's holding you back from achieving your cycling goals? Zach encourages readers to start with their mental game, setting the foundation for not just cycling success but a fulfilling life. Once the mindset is right, the body will follow.
As Zach embarks on this journey, he knows it's not just about the end goal. It's about the process, the self-discovery, and the lessons learned along the way. He's prepared for the challenges, the races, and the potential gains. Will he succeed? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned as Zach races gravel and virtually, pushing his limits and sharing his experiences. With a 450w FTP, he might just find that races become a whole new ball game, with easier zones and more energy to spare.
Will getting stronger make him faster? We'll find out together!
