Further to this, there is a slightly dated Velonews article about power testing that contains a nice inset chart expressed in watts per pound of body weight. I like this one b/c it segregates by gender and also looks at various measures for watts, (e.g., 1 min, 5 min, FTP, etc) for comparison and nicely makes the point that it isnt necessarily all about FTP -- though that helps ALOT. E.g., even if you have protour FTP, you're not going to win a pro field sprint unless you also have very high 1 min power capability. Similarly, the people who are winning medals at track worlds have VERY HIGH 1 min and 5 min (and probably 10 min) power, but may not have the hammer FTP, esp if they are not riding pursuit or mass-start events.
As an aside, my collegiate cycling teammates and I used to use 5-6 w/Kg as a reliable pro peloton FTP number. Not that you necessarily will do that all day, but you need to have that kind of engine to handle the surges, big climb tempo and the faster finishes and stay in contact with the bunch.
I recall some analysis on Flecha's power files from the Tour where he was putting out 400+ watts for an hour to 90 min (and he only weighs probably under 70 kg ...)
A few sports scientists have written about the power output necessary to compete in the Tour De France. I believe their conclusion was that in the post-EPO test world, you need an FTP of almost 6 w/kg to ride in the front group at the end of mountain stages, and just a little higher than that to win. Interestingly, prior to the EPO test (so about 1997-2002 or so), that number was 6.4-6.7 w/kg. http://www.sportsscientists.com/2011/07/tour-de-france-power-outputs-from.html
@Tim - great article. I have never thought about doing these tests to figure out what kind of rider I am...I have only done the triathlon thing = FTP. These other applications are specific to cycling racing, but, I am pumped to learn where I fall for this next few months!
Comments
Also, I know pro triathletes dont make any money...what about pro cyclists?
(I am considering a career change - just kidding!)
Jermey Powers was in the break at the USPro Challenge and put down 260W at 9,000 feet for 4hrs.
http://video.bicycling.com/video/USA-Pro-Cycling-Challenge-Big-W;USA-Pro-Cycling-Challenge-2011
He's a continental racer on the road but world class in CX
velonews.com has put out several posts on Rory Sutherland's power output during USAPCC. Here's the last stage for him:
velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/new...pcc_190310
Further to this, there is a slightly dated Velonews article about power testing that contains a nice inset chart expressed in watts per pound of body weight. I like this one b/c it segregates by gender and also looks at various measures for watts, (e.g., 1 min, 5 min, FTP, etc) for comparison and nicely makes the point that it isnt necessarily all about FTP -- though that helps ALOT. E.g., even if you have protour FTP, you're not going to win a pro field sprint unless you also have very high 1 min power capability. Similarly, the people who are winning medals at track worlds have VERY HIGH 1 min and 5 min (and probably 10 min) power, but may not have the hammer FTP, esp if they are not riding pursuit or mass-start events.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/from-velo-magazine-power-up-get-a-good-baseline-reading-to-track-your-progress_188648
As an aside, my collegiate cycling teammates and I used to use 5-6 w/Kg as a reliable pro peloton FTP number. Not that you necessarily will do that all day, but you need to have that kind of engine to handle the surges, big climb tempo and the faster finishes and stay in contact with the bunch.
I recall some analysis on Flecha's power files from the Tour where he was putting out 400+ watts for an hour to 90 min (and he only weighs probably under 70 kg ...)
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2011/07/tour-de-france-power-outputs-from.html
They say it right up front - 6.0 w/kg.