The Pace of This Year's Sea Otter Classic Was Absolutely Insane! Race Tactic and Power Analysis

The Sea Otter Classic Fuego XL marathon mountain bike race is the first race of the Life Time Grand Prix. This year the pace of the race was mind blowingly hard and I break down the power numbers required, race tactics, and bike setup that I used.
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[@PHHE1]

Let me tell you a story: about 3 minutes ago, I had forgotten Dylan Johnson's name, so i couldn't look for this video even though i knew it existed from earlier recommendations. I opened the KZbin search and the seventh recommendation was the despacito chicken, which i watched. Now i am healed and remembering, which brings me here

[@votiskygabor]

His name is Dylan Johnson if you are still wondering

[@discbrakefan]

His name is Dr Hattus Backwardz if you need to write it down

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Story

[@8rk]

bro next time just search “wider tires” and he should pop right up

[@mlu7686]

@@8rk😭😭

[@ynie1]

I legitimately wonder what would happen if Dylan made more consistent uploads. The quality of the videos are insane.

[@DylanJohnsonCycling]

Appreciate it! I’m definitely using the quality over quantity approach right now. These videos are not easy to make especially with professional cyclist training hours and race calendar.

[@chadwells7562]

@@DylanJohnsonCyclingI prefer quality over quantity and I think most of your viewers do too, it helps differentiate your content also

[@janemf]

and it’s probably a pain to get both dylan and backwards hat dylan in the studio at the same time for the videos

[@airporteffect]

​@@DylanJohnsonCycling Perhaps it's a good idea to consider outsourcing the editing work and concentrate solely on the script?

[@chrisko6439]

@@DylanJohnsonCycling If you got a the time, you might upload some clips of your interviews with Josh Poertner. Should get good number of views and could bridge the gaps of your new uploads.

[@shalaskaja452]

Last week my boss asked me why my numbers started dropping and I told him that I still worked as hard as always but everyone else was just getting better and he said that still makes my numbers not as good as theirs - I will never use that excuse again 😅 next time I’ll tell him that they are just more talented than me

[@juicebox11959]

So what was your point?

[@timboslice45]

"Mine's 410" Never laughed out loud at one of your videos until now, well played! 😅

[@AndrewVanTil]

Same! OMG, same!

[@redkeyspoke]

7:39 That equation is painfully accurate. As someone without a power meter, "Mine's 420".

[@freiherrvonundzu]

😅 "gcn's struggle for content" ... he isn't wrong

[@larrylem3582]

"Let's talk about waxed chains."

[@chrisko6439]

Tbf, they are doing this for many years, so it is becoming progressively harder to find new things to make content about.

[@petersimmonds3057]

😂😂😂

[@Tsnor150]

Dylan dumping on GCN is like Davie504 dumping on the pros on fiver. Dylan is helping GCN and GCN says thank you.

[@wonderwatch2239]

Most KZbinrs are struggling for content, GCN is easy prey 🙄

[@laggypirates]

“Just 300 watts” for two hours the man says

[@markpalmer3071]

Haha yeah I’d be happy with a 300w ftp

[@SteveHofsaess]

especially for a rider that weighs 140 pounds

[@user-fy7ri8gu8l]

@@SteveHofsaess A talking set of leg muscles

[@jimsonjohnson3761]

Maybe like a 5 min power for me if that lol. It sucks to suck. But I still love to ride.

[@Hoolio1967]

16-17th place overall is nothing to sneeze at. It means you are consistently the 16-17th BEST off-road rider in the COUNTRY. Chapeau!👍

[@bermchasin]

BEST* that competes in the race. Surely there are a few riders who may be as good who didnt race. But still...outta hundreds of millions, to be in the top 2 dozen is pretty good.

[@yammienoob]

Eye watering power numbers for the first part of the ride, jesus christ.

[@adamolig3865]

almost Turbo 'Busa numbers...

[@1269Dondude]

Yo yammie didn’t know you’re a cyclist too

[@Marco-717]

Not for couch potatoes like you bruh sorry not sorry

[@themightymite5688]

You need to make a "Mr. 17" Rule28 speedsuit.

[@theodorestoddard9307]

would love to see you talk Nutrition, on bike nutrition, race day vs long (3-6hr+)training days.

[@VendetaBrown]

Very nice upload

[@KwadSkwad]

when DJs 1 hour power is on par with your 5 minute power.. amazing progression from last year. consistent training and performance improvement. and awesome content!!

[@Aldorains]

Much respect for your mental toughness. To keep focused on improving yourself in this extremely taxing sport when the podium finishes are rare takes some serious grit. New bike is badass.

[@CleverSmart123]

I really love how much effort you put into the storytelling combined with data!

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Effort

[@pandatactical4530]

Awesome job Dylan! Those power numbers are insane! Hope to see you at Unbound. 🚴‍♂️

[@Rambleon444]

I can't imagine what Keegan puts out and then he even gets smoked when he races in Europe.

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Power

[@kpsig]

Your videos motivate even 50+ yrs old guys like me… I try to participate in CTF, RTF, Cross, Crits around the flat Hamburg. I try to just look at the essence of your videos and take away the power numbers.

[@gg-fv7ue]

Grüße 🙋‍♂️

[@StillLifting]

UR best race results video yet IMO. BHD had me literally LOL and the power review, pacing discussion was top shelf. A lot of takeaways for us weekend warrior / ham and egger gravel racers.

[@lewis2255]

Would like to see a video about recovery between races. Advice for stage races or even a race every week would be cool.

[@asdasd01]

Very nice recovery ride

[@JayRappa]

Your fitness is incredible, great race Dylan. And the very nice ride paint on the bike made my day LMAO

[@HydeMyJekyll]

That’s crazy! I did my first gravel race last week, and was surprised how hard it is. I had 300w np for 4:10 and didn’t even finish top 25% of my age group (35-39 male). I was definitely not prepared for the absolute chaos and repeated hard efforts of 600w+ to handle the surges in the first 30 minutes .

[@MistaEmPe]

Good Job! I'v been waiting for this 🙏

[@jeremytaiabbett]

Keep on keeping on!

[@davidwebb2337]

Love it. Nice work!

[@johnhayes1641]

Well done! Keep up the great videos!

[@michaelstoecker4178]

Dang, I love these race recaps! Thanks, Dylan.

[@scottm2770]

Very nice ride!

[@errickrichardson2520]

400 NP for the first 20 minutes. Dude, that's nuts.

[@rlm4471]

Now consider that Tadej Pogacar's off-peak FTP is somewhere around 410 at 66 kg, and his peak is probably somewhere around 450. Lance Armstrong claims that he could hold 500 for 30 minutes at his peak, but of course he had lots of help.

[@errickrichardson2520]

@@rlm4471 That's wild. There's always someone stronger.

[@rlm4471]

@@errickrichardson2520 Yes, these domestic pros are at a level I could never even hope to reach, and it's amazing to think that there are multiple levels above that.

[@errickrichardson2520]

@rlm4471 I always think that, too. I was at Tulsa Tough last year watching the pros hold 30 mph plus for an hour. And I thought Wout could break away from these guys without a problem and hold the Peloton off.

[@dangurtler7177]

@@rlm4471Ha ha, so does Pogacar.

[@arihirschman6884]

Congratulations! and great video. Thank you.

[@markokitzing4291]

I was so looking forward to this one. Congrats for a respectable 20th place! Good luck with the other LTGP races!

[@ZoomWinflo]

Superb vid as always

[@Rambleon444]

Thank you for posting all your numbers. Quite impressive!!!

[@zachcalton3199]

Nice ride dude, always look forward to the recaps

[@kazzz6666]

you're getting better and better on this videos! and on the bike! GG!

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Recap

[@mauricetremblay1324]

Serious power dude! Respect.

[@OmnycronZ]

Nice race review! Also I wanted to shoot a quick thanks for training science and motivation. I finally did my first race yesterday after consuming your content since october. I will be testing what I like most, will have to decide between gravel and road.

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Review

[@sepg5084]

Less puncture risk and less taint pain from road.

[@raullopezjaramillo8198]

Thanks man !!!

[@christianb.1028]

Absolute insanity. The level you guys are at is unfathomable to me, as i struggle to hold 400 Watts for three minutes 😂😂😂

[@farrier53]

You & I both. But then I am 65 years young....😂

[@jacksimpson3189]

Been missing your content bro, keep it coming please it's excellent 👌🏻

[@antoineg639]

Insane!! Nice job dude 🌱

[@Aviewerbychance]

Great video! I loved racing at the Sea Otter classic. My first mountain bike race and one of my last as a former pro.

[@skiparock]

impressive effort

[@Johnpvb]

Great event summary and analysis, congratulations on a solid finish! 👍

[@jonsteinhauser1573]

Good job, Dylan! The race recaps are always interesting and the bike checks too!

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Recap

[@rollnwithnolan]

Sick ride 💪🏻

[@derekwallace7544]

Very nice ride

[@GerardEncabo]

Very nice race

[@yetiman72]

I was listening to your podcast when I saw this video got posted, your comment about Stages made me laugh out loud.

[@siyz250]

Awesone insight Dylan and well done. Look fwd to your next video. Would love to here more about "kinetic ceiling'. Si, Christchurch, NZ.

[@psconstantinou]

Nice job managing your effort.

Very nice video

[@pauld3o2]

Keep it up man! I feel like I have gained more knowledge from your channel than from trainer road or GCN. I'm sure you’ll break out of the 16-17 spot some day!

[@stevehalleym]

I’ve been waiting for this video.

[@PERRY-S-BIKES]

very nice ride

[@ohmy2542]

Impressive!

[@joshschilz2951]

Very nice ride.

[@earlfoss99]

very nice video

[@justinofboulder]

Excellent video , and congratulations! I have lived at 6,000 ft. Elevation for the last 30 years, and would agree that pacing is extremely important in Leadville! Riding too hard above 10,000 ft is nothing like at sea level. I think the ideal situation would be if Leadville was run as a time trial, since you wouldn't end up stuck behind the masses who went out too hard and then blew up...

[@MooreMatt]

Very nice video 👌

[@farrier53]

Awesome breakdown of what was obviously one mother of a race...interesting to note that at this level of raci g, EVERY half a watt gained or lost is a game changer. Greetings from Canada !

[@kimrice394]

Beast!

[@bluemovies3397]

very nice bike!

[@demoner1]

Always like these videos. Glad you're 17th again too 😂.

[@matt.eggleton]

Very nice ride. 😉

[@Proviction]

im loving my allied bc40!!!

[@phila9288]

Yea I can hold 322W for about 4 as well. MINUTES😂

[@ericleszkowicz898]

Those are great numbers….oh to be young again…..

[@whizler]

Yeah yeah, Dylan endorses The Feed. Wait! BHD does too?? I'm in!!

[@cristhianalonsobatistacast1114]

Yisus, those power numbers are insane, so many strong riders... I raced today the national xco cup of Costa Rica, and you could have easily won here, like, 4 times in a row. I got obliterated

[@dweyhrauch09]

Love these videos, thanks for the great content and pro tips! // the progress year to year was great on its own, but do you think you could unlock any more watts experimenting with higher g/hr carb intake?

[@rule28Clothing]

A few upgrades coming very soon 🤙

[@ciurdea8984]

I have a hardtail felt from 2015(felt nine), and I can say a FELT in love with it. I want them to make mtb's again..

[@Tethysmeer]

Excellent result! I really wonder what a peak MVP would achieve here.

[@gusrallim]

Insane watts, level is crazy

[@fatbloaterdave]

Have you seen Trainer roads interview with Mat Beers where he says he has a 480w FTP? And that it was 420w When he moved from Moto riding to Cycling full time.

[@samkochevar983]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the BC40! Seems like a killer bike, and being made in the USA is a dope addition

[@cparker88]

When we getting this "optimum gravel tire size" video you've mentioned?

[@juicebox11959]

I’m happy with 175 watts average for an hr …. Y’all beast mode!

[@playmoreguitar5393]

Shout out to the Freight Train Matt Beers featuring all over these videos.

[@jtmuso]

15/16psi?!?!?! 😱 I used to race with at least 40 psi 20 years ago which I’m not proud to admit it 😅

[@beaneater]

very serious question without any ulterior motive : is there any doping test at this kind of event ? I know for real there is waaaayyyy more doping in amateur and semi amateur riders.

[@cornishcat11]

60 seconds in and BHD is just brutal as per normal

[@LongbranchOlivetti]

Did you not find that you started to roll the tyres at those pressures? I run Racing Ray/Racing Ralph and if I go that low, I can feel them roll on berms.

[@canelami1285]

With the top players constantly increasing watts year after year, I do wonder if some are using EPO or some other enhancements. I hope not as that would be incredibly disappointing having another Lance A, debacle.

[@Tethysmeer]

I wonder that too. With his numbers in the beginning to not be able to stay drafting in the top group it really rises some eyebrows.

[@LifeTimeGrandPrix]

Always bringin' the goods, Dylan!

[@sebwilson8398]

still waiting on the new bike vid big dog

[@Bob_Shy_132]

22.5 lbs?! That is lighter tan my 2001 superlight a 23.5 ! Wow!

[@Monkey_slapping_keys]

How many people are likely on a little bit of extra encouragement?

[@neilashton9459]

@DylanJohnsonCycling saw a photo credit for Rhett Shull in here. Is that the same Rhett Shull that has a guitar / music channel (which is great BTW).?

[@briangrier3908]

Insane power! Nice ride dude!!

[@CarlDoesStuff]

That fall at 1:46

[@adamchase7201]

dylan is the Andy Dalton of the Grand Prix lol

[@bradscott7994]

"The dude looks like he drinks liquid horse testosterone for breakfast." Classic!😂

[@robbie6638]

“Drinks liquid horse testosterone for breakfast“ hilarious

[@mrvwbug4423]

After watching the GCN video of Simon racing this, everyone seems to race it the same "going at an unsustainable pace, but still going"

[@janemf]

how do you dial in the fit if your bar/levers can’t really be adjusted? i find a flat bar really fatiguing for longer races.

[@blue-wanderer4392]

These data is kinda useful for amateur cyclists. I might do 150-200W, anything above that is not sustainable on my level. ^^ So the pace of the front is really crazy.

[@pieterboshoff2982]

And Matt Beers. How is that gentlemen from South Africa 🇿🇦 😮

[@jyalpert]

What gearing were you on for this race? Those repeated steep climbs killed me and I wish I’d run a smaller ring