The Biggest Temptation in a Gravel Race

It's mass start. You're on the same line as the pros and they're about to shred the field. And right behind the pros are the fast amateurs. And it creates one of the most powerful temptations in all of endurance sports.

And that's trying to keep up with people you have no business trying to keep up with. But it's in your competitive nature to do so. So the race starts, it's chaos. You're riding at 120% of your FTP because that's what it takes to stay with the group that's just formed around you.

The adrenaline is pumping. It feels manageable and for a brief while you're like I'm having a great race. This is the whole moment that defines your race because what you need to do is the hardest thing in cycling and that's to check your ego to sit up and let them

@FasCatCoaching Are you making this gravel pacing mistake? It could be costing you 30 minutes or more — and you won't even feel it happening until it's too late. 🚀 Start your free trial: /app

In this video, Coach Frank breaks down the #1 pacing mistake I see in gravel race power files, why it happens, and exactly how to fix it. I'll show you the one tactical decision you need to make in the first hour of your next gravel race that could save you 30 minutes — without being any more fit than you already are. What you'll learn:

- Why gravel racing is really a time trial (and why that changes everything) - How to use Intensity Factor (IF) as your real-time pacing gauge - The art of "self-dropping" — and why the tortoise always beats the hare - A 4-step process for finding the right group without blowing up - First-hour IF targets for every race duration from 2 to 8+ hours

Want course-specific pacing instructions in watts for YOUR next gravel race? CoachCat's AI can give you section-by-section wattage targets so you always know what's too hard and what's just right. 🚀 Start your free trial: /app 00:00 Introduction 02:53 Pace like a Time Trial 04:52 The Wrong Way 07:37 The Right Way 08:35 Finding the Right Group 11:29 Intensity Factor