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.

[@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".

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@theodorestoddard9307]

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

[@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 🙄

[@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

[@asdasd01]

Very nice recovery ride

[@lewis2255]

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

[@CleverSmart123]

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

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Effort

[@DavidxWebb]

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.

[@VendetaBrown]

Very nice upload

[@themightymite5688]

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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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 🙋‍♂️

[@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!!

[@jonsteinhauser1573]

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

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Recap

[@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.

[@Rambleon444]

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

[@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.

[@JayRappa]

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

[@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....😂

[@siyz250]

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

[@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 !

[@yetiman72]

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

[@markokitzing4291]

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

[@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!

[@michaelstoecker4178]

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

[@scottm2770]

Very nice ride!

[@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.

[@whizler]

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

[@psconstantinou]

Nice job managing your effort.

[@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..

[@Johnpvb]

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

[@jeremy_tai]

Keep on keeping on!

[@arihirschman6884]

Congratulations! and great video. Thank you.

[@zachcalton3199]

Nice ride dude, always look forward to the recaps

[@mazingerz99]

Please keep the w/kg numbers on screen when showing the power profiles. Thanks! Keep up the good work.

[@kazzz6666]

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

[@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.

[@ericleszkowicz898]

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

[@jessechavez1855]

Very Nice Recap

[@johnhayes1641]

Well done! Keep up the great videos!

[@demoner1]

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

[@RatluBoogerbag]

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.

[@Tethysmeer]

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

[@mauricetremblay1324]

Serious power dude! Respect.

[@juicebox11959]

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

[@skiparock]

impressive effort

[@MistaEmPe]

Good Job! I'v been waiting for this 🙏

[@gusrallim]

Insane watts, level is crazy

[@sebwilson8398]

still waiting on the new bike vid big dog

[@briantheforrest]

Very nice ride

[@rule28Clothing]

A few upgrades coming very soon 🤙

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@jacksimpson3189]

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

[@davidwebb2337]

Love it. Nice work!

[@cparker88]

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

[@CarlDoesStuff]

That fall at 1:46

[@antoineg639]

Insane!! Nice job dude 🌱

[@Proviction]

im loving my allied bc40!!!

[@earlfoss99]

very nice video

[@ku22in]

What's your fueling strategy for races typically? How many grams of carbs an hour are you trying to hit and how are you getting there?

[@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).?

[@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.

[@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"

[@stevehalleym]

I’ve been waiting for this video.

[@ZoomWinflo]

Superb vid as always

[@matt.eggleton]

Very nice ride. 😉

[@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.

[@raullopezjaramillo8198]

Thanks man !!!

[@jtmuso]

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

[@bluemovies3397]

very nice bike!

[@playmoreguitar5393]

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

[@micheller2693]

@Dylan Johnson Yo! I am looking into buying a lightweight HT for my endurance / marathon quasi-MTB/Gravel type races and am considering the Factor Lando HT as an option. I am between a small and medium with a 31" inseam. Could you tell me by chance your inseam and size?? 🙌 Been watching your videos for ages... thank you for your help!!

[@ohmy2542]

Impressive!

[@rollnwithnolan]

Sick ride 💪🏻

[@adamchase7201]

dylan is the Andy Dalton of the Grand Prix lol

[@kimrice394]

Beast!

[@cornishcat11]

60 seconds in and BHD is just brutal as per normal

[@Bob_Shy_132]

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

[@LifeTimeGrandPrix]

Always bringin' the goods, Dylan!

[@MooreMatt]

Very nice video 👌

[@Monkey_slapping_keys]

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

[@phila9288]

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

[@JimWalker1965]

DJ can you share what you’re videoing with and how you managed 4+ hours battery usage. Thxs

[@pieterboshoff2982]

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

[@ironore8677]

I currently have an aspero from last year and have a tire question for you. For gravel racing would you put the largest tires possible (42 ish ) on 700c wheels or would you run 650b wheels with 50mm? Currently have 38’s.

[@ML-np5ml]

Was that Lance Armstrong at the beginning riding by ?

[@facediaper09]

DJ, Felt should make a decent Hardtail or XC at least. I know a few guys who'd buy a Felt mtb. Say hola to Jacko.

[@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.

[@jyalpert]

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

[@schenker1993]

Nobody cares what is “coming up” we already clicked on the video because we want to watch it.

[@318ishonk]

Let's see if Toon Aerts eventually joins the American Gravel Races. That might give Keegan more headache than his current colleagues.

[@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.