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Rapid AscentAuthor: rapidascent
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Ep. 21: Adam Kelsall vs ChatGPT*: Can AI create a GOOD Otway Odyssey training plan?
Episode 21
Tuesday, 9 December, 2025
In this episode, Jeremy sits down with his own coach, renowned Australian cycling coach Adam Kelsall, to tackle one of the hottest topics in sport right now: can you trust AI to build your training plan? Jeremy reveals he used a specialised AI tool, Manus, to create a full suite of training plans for every event at the Otway Odyssey. But with the finished product in hand, he lacks the confidence to actually follow it. This kicks off a fascinating conversation that is part-coaching session, part-tech exploration, and part-scientific deep dive. Adam, coach to Commonwealth Games silver medallist Zoe Cuthbert and back-to-back U23 National Champion Harry Doye, puts both Jeremy’s methodology and the AI’s output under the microscope. The result is a masterclass in training theory and a relatable exploration of the classic athlete’s dilemma: should you follow the sensible plan, or the one your ego wants? Key Topics & Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction: Jeremy introduces Adam Kelsall and the premise of the episode: Adz vs AI. (01:11) - Adam’s Credentials: Adam discusses his current roster of elite athletes, including Zoe Cuthbert, Harry Doye, Alana Fletcher, and Tom Locke, and the challenges Australian cyclists face when competing in Europe. (03:27) - The Demands of Different Disciplines: Adam explains how his background in sports science helps him analyse the specific physiological demands of XC, Enduro, and Downhill, highlighting the underestimated importance of aerobic fitness in gravity disciplines. (07:00) - Elite Training Hours: A discussion on the training volume of elite U23 riders like Harry Doye (approaching 1000 hours/year) versus established pros like Alan Hatherly (rumoured 15 hours/week). (09:10) - The AI Experiment: Jeremy outlines his process of using the AI tool Manus to create plans for all Otway Odyssey events, with a key instruction: all recommendations must be based on peer-reviewed sports science. (11:14) - The Framework: Jeremy walks Adam through the 7-step framework that emerged from his iterative process with the AI: Who are we training and what are their goals? What fitness characteristics do they need? What are the foundational training principles? What are the training stimuli? What's the Minimum Effective Dose (MED)? How do we periodise it? The importance of recovery. (43:38) - The Science of Recovery: Adam and Jeremy discuss the undisputed champions of recovery (sleep and nutrition) and why the science is still lacking in measuring recovery effectively. (51:30) - Periodisation Explained: Adam breaks down how he uses a 4-phase periodisation model (Base, Build, Peak, Taper) to structure a 12-week plan, manipulating duration and intensity to drive adaptation. (1:18:02) - Polarised vs Pyramidal Training: A deep dive into the 80/20 rule. Adam explains why a polarised model works for high-volume athletes, but a pyramidal model (including tempo/sweet spot) is often more efficient and specific for time-crunched mountain bikers. (1:26:55) - The Dilemma: Jeremy reveals his personal dilemma. The AI recommended the 8-10 hour/week Time-Efficient plan for him, but his ego wants the 12-16 hour/week High-Volume plan. This kicks off a real-world coaching conversation about ambition vs reality. (1:40:53) - The Verdict & The Solution: Adam gives his final verdict on the AI’s plan and the role of AI in coaching. He argues that AI can handle the planning, freeing up coaches to focus on the irreplaceable human elements: individualisation, skill development, tactics, and building confidence. (1:45:07) - The Big Offer: Jeremy proposes that Adam review all 12 AI-generated plans, add his human layer of coaching wisdom, and make them available for free to the entire Otway Odyssey community. ALL FREE AI TRAINING PLANS HERE (please read Adam’s comment document first!): 👉https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OSQodB3o9ohsYlDLpFNJGof1SO5ZmNAy?usp=drive_link Mentioned in this episode: Adam Kelsall:Hero Dirt Coaching | Instagram Otway Odyssey:Website Athletes: Zoe Cuthbert, Harry Doye, Brendan ‘Trekkie’ Johnston, Ryan Gilchrist, Alan Hatherly, Jack Ward, Sam Hill. *Program used was Manus AI.
