In-Season Weight Training

I recently had someone who I don't coach if I recommend weight training during the racing season. I asked this rider if he was using weights just in the winter and he said that he was from November through February. I asked why he stopped the rest of the year and he said that his coach said that with the increase in training and racing during the season that there wouldn't be the need or time for weight training. For a number of reasons I disagree with this approach. The first thought would be that any gains realized during the off-season lifting would be lost in a matter of weeks once the program is discontinued. I guess my feeling would be why do it in the first place if you plan on stopping? And why start a program if you think that the on the bike training during the season is providing the same benefits? To maintain the benefits of lifting you have to keep it going throughout the year but just like your training it should ebb and flow with the seasons. The comment about not having time is also interesting. My thought would be whether you have time for the potential back problems that come with hours in the saddle? Or the loss of efficiency in your pedal stroke from not having a strong foundation (neck down to hamstrings) and adequate strength and balance training? Or how about just as a master age athlete the idea that complete fitness is actually more important than just cycling fitness unless you happen to be riding for a living which I doubt any of us are. Obviously I recommend making the time! You don;t have to spend hours at a time. During the season you can easily find 2 or 3 30-45 minute blocks of time per week to work in complete strength training program. You should still make sure that your off days are truly off days so don't lift when you should be recovering. Consider lifting after your intervals or 48 hours before on an endurance day or early or late in the day to compliment our riding that would happen at the opposite time. And don't worry about bulking up. If done properly all you will do is trade fat for muscle and up your metabolic rate substantially.