BikeErg intervals (VO2max micro-intervals)

3 sets of 10 intervals
0:30 @ 95-100%MAP5 (hard)
0:15 @ rest

– 3:00 @ 40-60%FTP20 between sets –

Flow. Once you start, you will stay on the bike for the remainder of the session (all recoveries are active). Each set is 10-13x 0:30 work / 0:15 rest, followed by a 3:00 recovery interval.
Note (pace). % are based on average watts from the Bike power profile (see session notes for options if not done this). The % won’t work for pace/1000m or calories/hr (so make sure to use watts). It is better to start @ easier pace (i.e. 95%MAP5) and then be able to do all the intervals vs starting too hard and not being able to complete the session. If you find the pace “too easy”, you can push the pace on the final 3 intervals of each set.

Session overview. For the next 3-weeks, we’ll be progressing these 2:1 work/rest VO2max micro-intervals (0:30/0:15 this week, then 0:40/0:20 and finally 1:00/0:30).
The short work periods allow you to go hard while the (even) shorter rest periods keep your heart rate high through the set. This makes the micro-intervals effective at developing your aerobic capacity. The quick transitions between work and rest develops your ability to sustain high work outputs and to recover faster between hard efforts.
The 1st few intervals within a set won’t feel that hard but with the short rest intervals, these will get challenging quickly.
The 3:00 recovery intervals between sets help your body to clear (utilise) the built up lactate from the work intervals. You can pedal anywhere within the range that feels good to you. Do the recovery interval also after your last set.
Adaptation. Build your VO2max, recovery ability and leg endurance on the bike.
Session RPE/Feel. 9/10, you should feel that you could MAYBE try to do one more interval at the end of a set if you had to (maintaining your pace). Your effort will increase as you get deeper into each interval (but aim to keep your pace). You’ll start to feel these already in the first set.
Pace. Use the % avg. watts based on your Bike power profile. IF you haven’t done the Bike profile you can use the following: 0:30 @ hardest repeatable pace / 0:15 @ complete res / 3:00 @ very easy pace.