Hour records always sound easy on paper...

At least people who attempt the hour record know their maximum average 60 minute power - assuming they don't give up before the 60 minutes is up.

I wonder how closely their average power over the 60 minutes correlates to their FTP as estimated from 20 minute tests or routine training rides?

2013 40K IronHaus TT - ~60 minute power predicted from my training data 285 watts - actual performance - 285 watts, 58.something minutes

2014 State TT Championship - predicted ~60 minute power from wife's training data - 250 watts - actual performance - 247 watts 56.something minutes. (she said she wimped out a little in the final ks because she was worried she was going to pass out)

I take it you or your wife do not use a power meter to pace?

You miss my point. I'm pointing out that not everyone's 60 min power is the same percentage of 20 minute power.

When you predict do you allow for a few extra watts on the day?

Pacing protocol allows for it. Don't go above goal watts until halfway.
Don't go under after halfway.

2014 TX State TT - stiff headwind on the way out, so you didn't go over goal watts on the way out?

Of course we do.



That is pretty well known



Pacing protocol allows for it. Don't go above goal watts until halfway.
Don't go under after halfway. Some people do similar but only stick to goal watts for the first few minutes then go by feel.

At least people who attempt the hour record know their maximum average 60 minute power - assuming they don't give up before the 60 minutes is up.

I wonder how closely their average power over the 60 minutes correlates to their FTP as estimated from 20 minute tests or routine training rides?

With that conservative goal watts approach it isn't surprising the end result is within a few watts of the goal / predicted watts.

Far better the feel approach if you are truly trying to go faster than ever before - but more of a risk.

It should be remembered that you can't look at power during hour record attempts on the track although they do get pacing info from track side.

Do their support staff see the watts data in real time? Are they allowed to give verbal information about watts or only pace from track side?

Personally I think watts data in real time in time trials should be banned. Pacing is a skill - allowing power data in real time gives those who are unable to pace without a power meter unfair help.

My cycling club-mate and friend Ed Veal, aka "The Real Deal", is going to have a go at the Canadian Hour record at the awesome new Mattamy Velodrome on Friday, April 10 starting at 4:45pm.

More info here - http://www.topdrawercreative.com/blog/?p=2598

I'm going to be working the microphone with Rolston Miller from the Toronto Sports & Social Club for this event.

Please spread the word, and come on out and cheer Ed on. It's not every day that you get to be part of history. #EdsHour

This would also be a great way to check out the new velodrome in Milton, Ontario ( just to the west of Toronto), if you have not been. It is an amazing world class facility, that's already been a real game-changer for cycling in Ontario/Canada!

Very closely for the hour record holding athletes I've coached.

Sorry I didn't word that well, I mean how close to 95% of 20 min power? Are hour specialists closer to 97% / 98% than 95% of 20 min power?

2013 40K IronHaus TT - ~60 minute power predicted from my training data 285 watts - actual performance - 285 watts, 58.something minutes

2014 State TT Championship - predicted ~60 minute power from wife's training data - 250 watts - actual performance - 247 watts 56.something minutes. (she said she wimped out a little in the final ks because she was worried she was going to pass out)

With that conservative goal watts approach it isn't surprising the end result is within a few watts of the goal / predicted watts.

Personally I think watts data in real time in time trials should be banned. Pacing is a skill - allowing power data in real time gives those who are unable to pace without a power meter unfair help.