It is expressed as watts of cycling power produced per kilogram of body weight, abbreviated as W/kg. This result is your watts per kilogram ratio. Power does matter, but winning a Zwift race is more complicated than producing the highest watts per kilo. Despite the fact that Daisy is clearly stronger, Anabelle will be a more efficient cyclist with a power to weight ratio of 8.18 watts per kilo compared with 7.6 watts per kilo for Anabelle. Report Save. To improve your numbers and make the most of your power meter training, its essential to calculate your threshold power. Original Poster 2 months ago. Elevation definitely plays a key role. He is currently undertaking a Masters degree in Physiology. In less than 30 seconds, the field goes from a standstill to over 50 km/h, quickly leaving behind anyone who was hoping to ease off the line. What matters in cycling is the number of watts per kilogram, which takes into account a riders weight and size. And thats why we look at power not just as an absolute number, but as one relative to a riders weight: watts per kilogram (power-to-weight ratio). To improve your numbers and make the most of your power meter training, its essential to calculate your threshold power. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the power-based demands of Zwift racing. Just because youre the strongest doesnt mean you are going to win. You need to be able to start hard 5-6 W/kg for the first couple of minutes in the A races, and 1-2 W/kg higher than the stated average for other categories. Depending on the course, climbs can range from 20 seconds to 10 minutes. The Zwift C category (next from the bottom) says that you should be able to ride at the level between 2.5 to 3.1 w/kg. Larger riders tend to be more powerful than smaller cyclists in absolute terms, but lighter riders require less energy to overcome inertia and propel themselves forward (especially uphill). Watts/kilogram (pounds) will be roughly the same. However, theres one metric that comes in and out of the discussion thats extremely important for all riders to focus on, and that is Watts per Kilogram (W/kg). We were racing on the 2019 UCI Road Worlds circuit in Harrogate, which meant that the last ~600 metres was a mostly uphill drag to the line. Not at his level. Watts/kilogram (pounds) will be roughly the same. I spent a few hours compiling the data, and I can say that the typical pattern for a Zwift (A) race is this: 5-6 W/kg for the first three to five minutes, including 6-7+ W/kg for the first 30 seconds. Its anyones guess as to why this is, but my hypothesis is that start intensity and race duration are inversely correlated. The change in your bodys composition also causes adaptations on a cellular level. Heavy resistance training for key cycling muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, buttocks and calves) not only boosts muscle efficiency, it can help prevent the loss of muscle power during periods of high-volume training, or during periods of weight loss3. A 90-kilogram (200-pound) rider will generate roughly twice the power of a 45-kilogram (100-pound) rider to ascend at the same speed. Weight (KG) Watts Outside of being stronger and lighter, there are other benefits to having more lean muscle, one of which is water retention. Rest on the downhills when you can, but dont expect to be coasting for more than a few seconds, if at all. We recognize that factors such as power-ups, in-game equipment, and team tactics still matter, but here we will be focusing on the most important factor: watts per kilo. This should be a focus that your strength regimen is helping you make out. The impact of a head wind degree in Physiology should train it and why you should it. 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