Cyclist Average Speed Progression?
#51
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I'll be a dissenting voice and say that speed does matter. Even though I was already a cat 1 by that point, when I started focusing on speed, really focusing, it helped. I started podiuming way more. I got in more breaks, and I won from more breaks. And the name of the game when you're trying to win from breaks is to go as fast as possible with as little effort as possible.
A lot of that speed revolved around position, but tube/tire choice and aero clothing and equipment also played a part.
As far as going from a cat 5 to a cat 1, your ability to get to the pointy end, stay there, and sprint will determine that more than any other single variable. Some guys do it in two years, some in 6-7, the vast majority never do it. I reckon a category a year is pretty solid, but the proliferation of events in your area and how many you do will have a big impact on upgrade speed. The more you race, the better you get at racing. As a junior, that means as many junior races followed by categorized races as you can do. Get the upgrade to 4 as soon as possible and do jr 17/18, cat 4/5, and cat 3/4 races. Look for something to learn in every single race, and figure out how to put yourself into position to win at the end.
A lot of that speed revolved around position, but tube/tire choice and aero clothing and equipment also played a part.
As far as going from a cat 5 to a cat 1, your ability to get to the pointy end, stay there, and sprint will determine that more than any other single variable. Some guys do it in two years, some in 6-7, the vast majority never do it. I reckon a category a year is pretty solid, but the proliferation of events in your area and how many you do will have a big impact on upgrade speed. The more you race, the better you get at racing. As a junior, that means as many junior races followed by categorized races as you can do. Get the upgrade to 4 as soon as possible and do jr 17/18, cat 4/5, and cat 3/4 races. Look for something to learn in every single race, and figure out how to put yourself into position to win at the end.
I’ll actually agree some here.
I am not the strongest hammer ride guy or novice TT guy at all.
But, I focus a lot on optimization of my equipment within my budget. I wax my chains instead of tossing lube on a nasty chain. Run latex in good gp5000’s. Decent aero wheels. Good positions. Save watts like crazy.
I am close now to being perfectly comfy doing IAB. That took a while. I’ve done it recently first time on the hammer ride. Was enough when pulling to have the weaker guy behind me lose the wheel.
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#52
Blast from the Past
I'de be more interested in Hermes power file for 500m Been thinking about that and 2K this season if I can find the time for a long drive to the track often enough. It's at least close to being back on topic.
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#53
Blast from the Past
Agree on your basic premise of finding speed. In particular aero clothing gives a huge boost, especially in the wind. A bonus, for me is a speed suit is more comfortable than bibs/jersey on hot days.
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#54
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Yea, I've had to point this out before, I weigh 61kg so 4.8 is really only around 285 watts, 5 minute power being around 340s. My best 5 second power is a paltry 817 watts, I'm also pretty darn scared around corners, descending, and in fast groups. In a typical race I'll stay near the front looking for breaks if there's any type of an incline, but on the twisty roads and descents I'll end up in the back pretty easily, then having to work my way back up to the front on the hills (exact opposite of what you actually want to do to correctly conserve energy). SO, in order for me to win a race it'll need to be an uphill finish (the longer the better), without any breaks going before me (unless I'm in that break). That's really it, downhill or flat finishes I'll get outsprinted easily and I can't solo breakaway without my FTP being in at least the 300s regardless of weight (I've tried...).
However, I'm lovin Zwift races!
However, I'm lovin Zwift races!
Also, it seems like it isn't the ftp around here, or how much you weigh. It's all about how many watts you can do for around 1 to 3 minutes and repeat a few times.
That's why on my super minimal training time I can finish mid-pack and front 1/3.....I do a ton of hiit work on a time crunch schedule. So, I've really good 30sec to 3min power for a 4/5 but my hour power lags really far behind. But, I'm trying to improve that this off season.
My power curve from sprint to hour goes down hard after about 8min. Then again down hard after 20min. People with more time on their hands, and more base in the engine, that curve tapers off a little slower. So it seems.
#55
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Carlton has his own opinions & I responded in that thread with my own limited experience with 2 Track meters. We could continue this discussion in a separate thread here or in the Track Forum if you have anything of substance to add? Use of power data for anaerobic development is an interesting subject.
#56
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Check your buddy's thread and buy some speed. https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...can-i-buy.html
#57
Senior Member
It may be a hike for you to go do one, but USAC does do hill climb TT's in some mountain areas. They do one in Asheville NC or nearby each year. You'd destroy that!
Also, it seems like it isn't the ftp around here, or how much you weigh. It's all about how many watts you can do for around 1 to 3 minutes and repeat a few times.
That's why on my super minimal training time I can finish mid-pack and front 1/3.....I do a ton of hiit work on a time crunch schedule. So, I've really good 30sec to 3min power for a 4/5 but my hour power lags really far behind. But, I'm trying to improve that this off season.
My power curve from sprint to hour goes down hard after about 8min. Then again down hard after 20min. People with more time on their hands, and more base in the engine, that curve tapers off a little slower. So it seems.
Also, it seems like it isn't the ftp around here, or how much you weigh. It's all about how many watts you can do for around 1 to 3 minutes and repeat a few times.
That's why on my super minimal training time I can finish mid-pack and front 1/3.....I do a ton of hiit work on a time crunch schedule. So, I've really good 30sec to 3min power for a 4/5 but my hour power lags really far behind. But, I'm trying to improve that this off season.
My power curve from sprint to hour goes down hard after about 8min. Then again down hard after 20min. People with more time on their hands, and more base in the engine, that curve tapers off a little slower. So it seems.
#58
Senior Member
While it's pretty obvious that there are better metrics than speed, I do have to remember that the OP is at least a newbie to this forum, and maybe to cycling. Power meters are expensive and, let's admit it, a luxury items for most of us. It's much cheaper to buy a bike computer that tells you speed, so for some that may be the only metric they have.
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