Unable to reach 250w FTP after 2 years of training, losing hope. What can I do wrong?
Hey. So, I've been a cycling enthusiast for about 5 years. Started slow, and mostly rode casually for a few years, went on cycling trips and such. At some point I felt an urge to move forward and started to look into training plans with a goal to ride faster. I've joined a few communities that were united around the same goal, started to visit some group training rides and such, made a few pals who were rookies same as me at the time, so we often rode together.
The problem is, my progress is rather pathetic so far. I've seen some improvements, like my average speed increased from 23kph to 25kph the first year - but then it platoed and never moved beyond that mark. I can only hold about 190-200w of power for 1hr effort, and when it comes to sustained power over multi-hours ride, it's like 150-160w at best.
At the same time both my pals made to a whole new level, comparing to me, over the same period of time. One is routinely riding at 30kph now for many hours straight, the other one is at about 27kph - but it's really easy for him, he is now into long-distance cycling and he covers distances like 400kms at average speed of 27kph, without breaking much sweat, it's his normal comfortable speed at this point.
I have no idea what am I doing wrong, and why I can't progress anywhere near them. I've tried to do interval trainings, 1-2 sessions per week. I've tried to include strength training into my program too - but it feels like the only thing I get from all this is just getting tired, with no real gains.
Any help or advice is appreciated.
