Hi everyone!

This is a topic I've been beating to a pulp, but I haven't had the opportunity to discuss with other women cyclists. I'm curious as to whether anyone can offer advice or share personal experience.

I'm training 10-20hrs/week right now. I'm riding a ton and I'm doing a lot more strength training (as well as xc skiing, some running, etc).

I'm 5'4 and hover between 125-130lbs. As the season grows closer and I have much higher expectations than the last couple road seasons, I'm wanting to drop 5 lbs to see if this has an impact on my racing. I have a lot of muscle but my core could definitely use some toning.

I have started logging calories again VERY diligently. My calorie goal is ~2,300 if I want to maintain my current weight (that's assuming BMR+moderate activity, not including workouts). If I want to lose 1lb/week it brings me to ~1600+workouts.

Everyone I've talked to is telling me I should be eating 2000-2500 daily, sometimes more on big training days.

I have really been forcing myself to eat over 2,000 a day but my NET calorie in take is still really low. It's usually between 1,000-1,500.

I know the body can hold onto nutrients when it is not receiving an adequate amount of fuel. I'm wondering if this is what is happening to me. Honestly, I was eating 1,600-2,000 calories for a long time and training like a beast...admittedly, feeling pretty bad. And my weight wasn't any lower then than it is now.

I guess my main question is WHAT should I be aiming for daily (as far as NET calories goes) Of course, when I do 3-5 hour rides I just eat until I am satisfied. But on normal days when I have shorter workouts or a rest day, should I still be aiming for the higher intake?

Will I possibly see some weight loss if I continue eating more? That is what everyone's telling me.

Sorry for the long winded question! It's just so frustrating when I feel like I'm so diligent about my exercise+food logging and I can't even drop a pound or two.