Can AI create a mountain bike training program?

With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the idea of personalized, data-driven training programs has become increasingly popular. But can AI create a training program tailored specifically for mountain biking? Let’s dive into what AI can and can’t do when it comes to crafting your next MTB training plan.

What AI can offer

AI excels at analyzing data and finding patterns, which makes it a potentially powerful tool for athletes looking to optimize their training. If you’re already using heart rate monitors and/or tracking apps like Strava, you’ve already got the data that AI needs.  Here’s how AI could contribute to your mountain biking program:

1. Personalized training plans
AI can analyze your fitness data—such as heart rate, power output and recovery metrics—and design a customized program. By considering your current fitness level, training goals and even past performance, AI can recommend workouts tailored to improve specific areas like endurance, climbing power or technical skills.

2. Real-time adaptations
One of AI’s strengths is its ability to adapt. If you miss a session, overtrain, or experience fatigue, AI can modify your program on the fly. Tools like Garmin’s adaptive training algorithms already offer such features.

3. Data-driven insights
AI can process data from wearable devices, such as GPS units and heart rate monitors to provide insights on your performance. It can identify trends—like decreasing efficiency on climbs or recovery times that are too short—and suggest changes to your training.

Where AI falls short

While AI offers exciting possibilities, it isn’t without limitations:

1. Contextual understanding
Mountain biking involves unpredictable variables like trail conditions, weather and mechanical issues. AI struggles to account for these elements and can’t replace the experience and intuition of a seasoned coach who understands the nuances of MTB.

2. Lack of emotional insight
AI can’t gauge your mental state. Mountain biking is as much about mental toughness as physical ability and a coach often provides motivation, encouragement and emotional support—something AI can’t replicate.

3. Skill-based training challenges
AI excels at structuring physical training but struggles to teach technical skills like cornering, jumping or navigating rock gardens. These skills require hands-on practice and feedback from a coach or experienced rider.

4. The human element
Sometimes, the best training plans…