Can a Beginner Cyclist Keep Up? - POWER REVEAL

[@onlyphileth]

This is beyond any motivational Video. Seeing me lazy af and then someone who just changes his life withing a few months is insane! Love the series! EJ dont stop :)

[@michadebicki6534]

As a guy who went from 220/230 ftp at 75 kg into 310 at 71 in 2.5 years - such crazy rapid gains are totally Impossible to achieve without previously established endurance base. I was boxing for 6 years prior to staring cycling and during my first year of riding, hell! - during my first 7 months of training I experienced a FTP gain of 60 watts. But I was running twice per week for many years prior. Without this my gains wouldn't be even close to such numbers. And this guy out of blue tests 300+ watts... This is sadly totally unrealistic for average joe.

[@andrasszabo1570]

@@michadebicki6534 You've got that backwards. With previously established endurance base, you have nothing (or much less at least) to improve upon. EJ gained precisely so much because he didn't do anything before he started this. He is gifted to have such a high FTP after less than a year of training, but doubling his base, that's only possible because he was a slob at the first measurement.

[@michadebicki6534]

@@andrasszabo1570 you are only efficient to what are you most used to. Rapid gains at the beginning of switching the discipline are the result of already trained body adapting to the new activity.

[@justAguyDs]

For real, time to get on my sim rig and get some laps in.

[@user-lg2jm9zg6l]

@@cracked229 It's not likely that he's genetically gifted - it's a certainty. I have no doubt that he put in work, but there's only so much work that you can put in in a year. An average person could put in that kind of work for a decade and never break 4w/kg.

[@matt_m126]

Being fully engaged with the leaders in your first crit is very impressive. Well done!

[@clausjakobsen1656]

EJ is 100 procent gonna win a race this summer.. what a beast! :-)

[@duartemateus4145]

Already wom today

[@clausjakobsen1656]

@@duartemateus4145 today ?

[@mediabybrendan2654]

Yep. He beat me, that’s for sure lol

[@kidsafe]

He nearly won a second race today.

[@VeloJake]

Starting in Cat 5, he could probably just attack from the gun and lap the field.

[@raymondrichardson538]

Had a big grin on my face throughout this whole video. Really fun and inspirational stuff. Let's go, EJ!!

[@immikemx]

He's such a natural, there are so many guys who have been riding for years and still can't hit those ftp numbers. And having Jeff's mentoring is awesome. Lucky guy!

[@whatsuphonkycat]

watching this again on the tv, came back to comment how genuine and positive EJ is… what an absolute gem of a dude

[@danielkefer3600]

Crazy progress! Making me wish I chose a different hobby after comparing this to my last two years of structured training without even half those gains! Can't wait to see how this race season goes for EJ!

[@michadebicki6534]

This guy must have done some endurance sports previously, it is absolutely not possible to have such crazy gains without previously built endurance base.

[@akjdhfkqwrhetkjanfvkkkresae]

@@michadebicki6534 Could have just been a bad day or bad equipment during the first FTP test.

[@jkelleypga]

@@michadebicki6534 Yup. Only way you get those gains in THAT short of time is prior history. If no prior history then Legion needs to sign him pronto b/c he'd be a freak of nature.

[@ohhi5237]

see it as motivation

[@Minkjedi333]

Love how much EJ laughs and has a good time

[@notnixx2912]

I saw this video a good 6 months ago and it inspired me to ride a bit more. Havent done any structured training (more just riding) and my ftp went from 182w (3.1 w/kg) to 261w (4.4 w/kg). Might look into structured training cuz ive been told that my progress is pretty good

[@mabozza85]

Bit of context here for you. EJ been riding mtb and uploading rides to strava since 2015. Done a 50mile plus ride in 2016. Fair play for the weight loss and getting out there and getting it done and basically changing your life over a 7to8 year period. Id just like to state that you dont just do this in a short period of time like you say. It takes dedication and serious will power over a sustained period of time. Fair play to you like i say but very unfair to mislead people that you were a total noob and had done zero riding previous. Keep it up👊👊

[@Rocketrecliner]

I know what you are saying, but at the same time, the numbers sort of speak for themselves. In one year EJ went from 256 pounds to what? Something like 190. AND his FTP went from 179 to 334. The weight loss is one thing, but to increase your FTP at that level seems staggering to me. And to do it in one year? Kudos to Jeff for calling it out, these results are atypical. Still, an incredible endorsement for Jeff's Master Class and to EJ for putting in the work to get there.

[@brabrabarabra]

they said he came from 192 ftp 7 months ago. For a man his age, that is maybe a bike commuter, but without any real training. I don’t see how that’s misleading.

[@automotive474]

​@@Rocketrecliner no, the numbers alone without the context don't tell an accurate story. Had he not the background of previous conditioning it would have been a completely different journey. A body is not just a fat/muscle ratio, conditioning is gained and lost at many different areas in many different rates.

[@Rocketrecliner]

@@automotive474 With respect, I don't understand your point. Sure, back story can mean something, but even as I think about what has happened here, it still plays in EJ's favor, again, unlike what the original poster was sort of alluding to. Think of it like this, which is more impressive, the couch potato or the strong athlete who both lose 60 pounds and almost double their FTP. A couch potato will see gains pretty quickly whereas the strong athlete will probably have to work much harder to yield similar gains since they have already made significant progress to be a strong athlete. So, if we are saying that EJ's back story of being an already accomplished athlete diminishes his accomplishments at all, I would disagree. He may have had to work harder for those gains since he had already made some progress. Ultimately, it is all probably a pretty silly conversation anyway. I think we can all agree that anyone who accomplishes what EJ has is impressive, regardless of back story. I'm certainly impressed.

[@automotive474]

@@Rocketrecliner I think the problem with our understanding is that I didn't say it all plays in EJ's favor, I didn't deny any of his accomplishments, and didn't say it was not impressive. Perhaps because of my criticism one could believe I was trying to take it all away from them, but that's not the case. I have a problem when they portray a comeback to action in a sensationalist manner, leading people to believe it is possible or normal incredible feats like "couch to ultramarathon in 12weeks", "lost 30lbs fat in 6 weeks and deadlifted 300 kg", "became a pro in 6 months", there's plenty of examples out there, and it's very different when you have the lungs, the blood vessels, the mitochondria, the muscle mass, the muscle density of a former athlete.

[@MikeK02048]

This was so awesome to watch! I wasn't kidding myself that EJ had a chance to win, but I honestly was expecting him to get swallowed up by most of the riders on the last lap. But he hung tough! Great job EJ!

[@thesergeant3524]

Holy crap. I thought he'd be around 290-300 at the end of this thing. He's already around 330?! WTF!? What athletic background does he have? Can you imagine just realizing your genetic potential like this? Can't wait to see these summer races.

[@meriam4109]

Let's be clear about this, EJ is very talented. There aren's that much guys who can pull this off, even after many years of training. And that much gain means the base is there.

[@Clauds43]

Damn. That ftp result is bang!! Also worth noting is it translated to his first alviso race. Damn. Really happy for you bro!

[@YersiniaPestisNPO]

That FTP improvement is ridiculous like I dont even believe it

[@redben9046]

Me either

[@jkelleypga]

If he has prior aerobic experience (rowing, cross country skiing, long distance running) than those gains can come back quickly.

[@redben9046]

@@jkelleypga no he haden't, he was fat, they said from the couch to cycling races

[@ojngasdovnwdsifnweij]

@@redben9046 they lied, dudes been riding mtb since 2015.

[@redben9046]

@@ojngasdovnwdsifnweij aw 😮 that wasn't legit at all, so by the end it's muscle memory

[@PeterPutz82]

Wow, I'll eat my hat, I expected EJ to be at 260-270w ftp, not mid 300's!! Yeah, ok, good genetics there. It will be very interesting to see where you get to 👍

[@RachelSchloer]

Insane progress, great job EJ

[@AustinIsTheGreatest]

Wow i really like the transition into a race video. I was not expecting that

[@Lotustro]

Go ahead jesse...we're waiting for you to say what we're all thinking

[@Ultegra10SPD]

I managed to finish my 2x20 at thresh. Still made dinner next. Turn this on and see that number. First thought. “I quit.” -U10

[@JoshMcGehee]

Damn....EJ in a 2 man break till 800m? That's insane!

[@henrikmadsen6446]

Lets just celebrate the different energy EJ brings to the commentary. Coops great this Jeff, aka Return of the real King.

[@jeffreyastjohn]

Man stellar effort. He’s way closer to being able to win one than I would’ve thought possible!

[@kanuto6745]

Waiting for Jessie's review on this. 😅 Kudos to EJ. very impressive.

[@TheSnoddy]

I raced 4/5 from ‘13-‘16 and never got anywhere close to EJ’s W/kg. Back into training for a year now and nowhere close to my best w/kg from back then. EJ is a beast and a motivation. Keep it up!

[@gc84gc]

Love this channel. Just started cycling myself and yet to get my own road bike. But i love this and the small things you're just discussing. Thank you

[@tankbirdfinder6219]

EJ, super impressed and loved the commentary. Funny how competition can amp you up or shut you down, in your case, I don't think you felt that FTP burn and you were smart and ignored the head unit. Well done!! Chapo!

[@deanwilkendorf5304]

Such a pleasure to have you both share this with us :D

[@asmodean8987]

That ftp is crazy. I guess I'm old and i didn't ride as much as he did but i struggled to get to 250 lol

[@TheLanorth]

Funny to see Dante rocking the sadle bag at the Anfisa race!

[@chrishill1774]

Great effort and it's nice to see someone so positive 👍

[@OCo16]

Wow holy crap, I have gone from 190-276 in almost a year of structured training. Gotta say I'm pretty salty lmao.

[@michaelliu6570]

Yeah, I started last year too…. Super salty lol

[@OCo16]

@Michael Liu curious how many hours of riding he's been doing. I've been at 9-11 hours per week for months now and progress has slowed down

[@MarkBurghouwt]

@@OCo16 Maybe focus more on diet/sleep

[@Lotustro]

@@MarkBurghouwt you can focus all you want but that ain't changing rice and chicken

[@calvinu3601]

Thats still really good

[@michaelgraycycling]

Bro that’s insane. Fave norcal video yet. Go on EJ

[@enochmogusu8573]

334 watts in 9 months is wild, congrats EJ!!

[@DerrickJones32]

This is awesome! EJ was right there the whole time! Amazing competitiveness

[@cesarcardozo6551]

You gotta love EJ's energy, keep bringing it to the channel Jeff

[@HydeMyJekyll]

Absolutely insane! So what is EJ’s W/kg now?

[@jackmontou8983]

Seriously WTF... Now I want a re-visit done by Jesse Coyle about home boy!! I also didn't believe in doubling his FTP but now I'm thinking he will.... Insane...

[@duartemateus4145]

Not even 1 year of riding and 330 ftp, he is going to hit pro numbers. Crazy . There are people who born for riding

[@kilianbader9786]

Insane

[@andrewpetersen2901]

+130w FTP in a fairly short time period is utterly bonkers, even taking into account that untrained --> training with structure always results in big initial gains. That last +60w to actually get to double will undoubtedly be a lot harder to get, but I'll definitely be cheering (and jealous) if he makes it.

[@roebbiej]

He was active for years. So he did have what they call in strength training muscle memory. It's easy to return to former form than to achieve fitness that you never had before

[@KelvinSuddith]

All these shoutouts to Dante, but the man is racing with the dreaded saddle bag 😂😂 Way to go EJ big improvements man!

[@IamCredit]

What's your w/kg now!?? So impressed and jealous of your progress. Keep it up EJ!

[@moin6747]

its 4.3wkg 1:53

[@joshonwheels2]

@@moin6747 What's his body weight? I couldn't find it anywhere other than the 255Lbs. in 2022... he's probably still over 200 (90+kgs.) So not 4.3 watts/kg...?

[@ff2e]

@@joshonwheels2 81kg

[@hula_doll]

Insane performance EJ and great commentary between you two. So hyped for you. In bed right now but so motivated to get up and jump on the trainer 😂

[@ferrisdurden2741]

Freaking awesome!!! Congratulations to the both of you.

[@mtbjd3046]

Ej should get in on the gravel race scene. The punchy style would serve him well there. That power would crush it.

[@ff2e]

man those are ridiculous numbers. I bet you just made an Australian youtuber sad.

[@kanuto6745]

👀

[@10flyingdutchman]

Great stuff, guys! Seriously impressive, EJ. DANG.

[@jordyjohnbaptiste1067]

HEEEELLLLLL YEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! MORE JEFF VIDEOS I love your work of art you've been sharping me up on all your videos Jeff. I can't wait till I drop a video your way.

[@yousifalhajery]

I think EJ is just your common every day freak of nature kind of guy XD

[@theoriginalrecycler]

EJ looks in great shape.. well done

[@stephen_101]

The apprentice is closing in on his master pretty fast. Nice work EJ!

[@tonygSDWR]

That was amazing, hilarious and inspiring all in one. Go EJ!

[@Cw12345abcd]

What is EJs endurance / sports background before couch to Crit?

[@nicholassekas3060]

Absolutely wild performance for his time in the sport, he is a machine

[@thetimeisnow1210]

Wow! Ethan you crushed it! ❤❤

[@markusandersson1309]

That was awesome! EJ is a machine!!! Lets goooooo

[@pacfan1165]

Jeff, great video, fun to watch, great effort by EJ, good to see you win, are you racing Tulsa Tough, keep up the good work!

[@stennan]

Very impressive racing! Just an idea for future episodes of Alviso now that there are more riders, perhaps you could overlay the other significant racers data on Jeff's video? In case of any analysis or giving cred/KZbin-famedom for other Alviso wins. Or would other crit racers consider such data to be "trade secrets"?

[@1001legoboy]

Awesome ride, and fun banter. Sign me up for more!

[@mstrasser]

what a race! kudos EJ!

[@PEPlourde]

That was actually impressive. EJ just refusing to die is a sight.

[@marcfarrelly5944]

That was awesome, well done EJ

[@thatsounditmakes9177]

Genes are a thing! I'm glad EJ has found something he's good at, and enjoying it. Even though I love cycling, and have some training, I could never push those kinds of power numbers. Git it!! 👊

[@chrysaorchronos6741]

very fun and cool with both perspectives

[@mathias8013]

Wow, that is super impressive EJ.

[@PhillippMusicAustria]

omfg crazy performance ej!

[@Kreatve]

If anyone puts the work in, results WILL follow

[@stephen4347]

Wow this is crazy! Having Jeff as a coach leap frog EJ's riding ability. Imagine if you had to learn on your own. The cost of mistakes.

[@MitchBoyer]

THAT POWER THO 🔥🔥🔥

[@dragomck192]

We need more of this, greattt video

[@jcbk45]

Drum rolls are my fav part of the channel. EJ left Jeff hanging on this one though. 😂

[@liam_c27]

Great power EJ. I'd be swaying like Dante's saddle bag at that speed

[@LouieBaLLz]

Jeff, do you think it's better to do an ftp test indoor or outdoors? I find that I hold more power outdoors because I'm distracted by the elements outside. But, I live in NYC and there's really no place to do 20min interrupted here. Great job on the gains, EJ. I'm more inspired now more than ever after watching this.

[@outofretirement]

Outdoor is def easier mentally.

[@JustinMayfield]

That was really fun to watch.

[@monstermegahoschi]

There appears to be a shortage on razers on the west coast. Call if you need help, you don't wanna live on looking like you're from Connecticut!

[@seansew8549]

Watch your back Jeff, EJ is coming for you ;)

[@DownhillHG]

Great video, thank you!

[@MrRed0devil]

Well done EJ!

[@sheltonshots]

Bro. That's insane. 🤘💪

[@BenWingeSD]

I’d like to see his seated power without the standing low cadence use of bodyweight mixed in. The power was clearly different when seated ~300 and standing ~400

[@larsw.2250]

*crying silent about my last ftp test* go get them, EJ!

[@esterlinaleman8443]

Awesome EJ. so impressed

[@kanuto6745]

damn. I went back to this view after doing my FTP test. lol exactly 1 year today I started getting a bit serious into road cycling. Started at 167w @ 78kg At present, fresh of the test I have 251w @79kg Wishing I can reach the same number in the near future :(

[@BenWingeSD]

He had a steady mix of standing and seated time doing his latest ftp test. Lot easier to raise the average power when you’re standing low cadence grinding with bodyweight assistance

[@user-hi1xc3pn1e]

180 to 350 FTP in 8 month? Are you sure a power meter or trainer was calibrated during both tests?

[@XX-is7ps]

Something is very very odd about this. This is just not normal.

[@louismorel2001]

I agree...8 months means maximum 5000 to 8000 km training which is quite a lot for a beginner.. Ftp almost doubled.... 350 w ftp means around 400 w PMA, which is really big number that a lot of cyclist can t reach.

[@BETRNSX]

Wow. Great job! 🎉

[@chuckbunting9731]

Its weird to retire the "beginner" title in a year but EJ God D@mn!

[@johnhunt3076]

Was 352 the 20 minute effort? Or the derived FTP from a 20 minute?

[@SuperYobo]

Commented before u saw the first 3 mins?😂

[@josephdemarco1469]

someone explain to me how this race is going on with live traffic? Neither trader nor drivers seem to have conflict. how does this work?

[@TheGazavman]

What a nice road to ride !

[@tas1148]

I'm new to cycling and appreciate your channel. Can you please tell me how you get all the additional data on your GoPro video (HR, PWR, wind, etc)? Thank you!

[@BulletJS]

2:15 its impressive for sure but 334 is not double of 192

[@TurneyUK]

Amazing, well done

[@cehlers41]

EJ!!!! That FTP is insane!

[@Masterrex]

@EJ Are you going to Tulsa Tough this summer?

[@airman8368]

DAMN!! Nice work.

[@henrikrudehvid3067]

Dude's got talent. Great FTP.

[@claudiutoader4118]

Why is Dante riding with a saddle bag, 2 bottles on the bike and one in the jersey?

[@lost_in_asia]

where can I download EJ's training plan? Also, where can I download his legs?

[@ryanpowell6244]

Jeff's new nemesis.....EJ!

[@mattwarbuckle]

I'm a 48 year old, 250 lb beginner. It's not quite turning out like this!

[@bighammer3464]

This series is so different from the previous one. Feels like couch to crit is over now. We missed all of the progression. It’s no longer couch to crit

[@TeresaSlevin]

What a legend, good sh!t EJ!