So I raced a sprint this weekend on the same course that I raced in July. I've been working hard this winter and put out about 30 watts more yesterday than the race in July (250 vs 220, VI was 1.0 in both races). Same bike, wheels, etc, very similar wind conditions, and I was 0.4 mph slower yesterday than in July.
The only difference I can think of is temperature. The race this summer was in the low-mid 80s and humid. It was mid 60s yesterday. Does temperature make that big of a difference?? Enough so that I can put out 10%+ more power but still be 2% slower? My power is measured at the hub so any loss of power through the drive train shouldn't be a factor.
The only difference I can think of is temperature. The race this summer was in the low-mid 80s and humid. It was mid 60s yesterday. Does temperature make that big of a difference?? Enough so that I can put out 10%+ more power but still be 2% slower? My power is measured at the hub so any loss of power through the drive train shouldn't be a factor.