Dan King 2015 Coppenhagen IM

Quailman28

I am few months out from my race and wanted to know if I should factor in any elevation differences in the race day plan?  I currently live and train at 5500 feet however will be racing at sea level.  My gut thought is to follow the bike HR/power %'s and then just use any added benefit the lower altitude has to hopefully finish stronger on the run. thanks!

Al Truscott

There is probably a 2-4% reduction in ability to generate power, as measured by FTP, when going to 5500' from sea level. You're doing the reverse. You may indeed find yourself able to sustain a slightly higher power when dropping down to sea level. That will probably NOT enable you to go any faster, as there will be increased resistance of the thicker air you'll be pushing against. As we know, overcoming air resistance represents up to 80% of the work we are doing trying to go from, say, 20 to 21 mph. Your more significant benefit is the EPO like effect of living at 5500'.