Hello friends,

At the end of last season I increased my aerobar drop to (hopefully) improve aerodynamics. Despite the tighter hip angle, my threshold power in the aero position has improved from last year in open (no swim) time trial efforts.

However, in my first race of the season yesterday I struggled to feel strong on the bike. For the 20k course I was only able to hold my Olympic distance power from last year. When I sat up my power increased to what I had expected to do, but I was disappointed with the achy/weak feeling in my legs while riding in the aerobars. It felt like my glutes & hamstrings were too fatigued to produce adequate force...

I am wondering; does the swim portion affect one's ability to produce power with an acute hip angle? Is there specific muscle fatigue that occurs during hard swimming that requires a more open hip to produce threshold power? It seems to me that pro triathletes generally ride with a less aggressive hip position relative to pro cyclists in a time trial; could this be due to the effects of the swim in triathlon?

My swim fitness has improved this year, so I don't see that being the factor in my poor cycling performance. I have also been a bit fatigued lately, but I felt great on the run so I don't think that poor form could be the only explanation here. I have an important race in two weeks and I am hoping to ride powerfully! Any input is appreciated. Thanks!!