exxxviii wrote:
I was about to post the exact same question. The race profile looks like a steady uphill for around 1:45 . Then it is a rocket sled descent for around 45 minutes. So, if I would normally ride at 80% FTP, would I ride the first half at 90% FTP because I get a 45 minute rest before the run.I was hoping someone would write this before me, but that is my plan. I usually use 0.85 IF for HIM races and 0.90-0.92 for OLY races but since this is a 'half up/half down' race, I'm gonna raise my first half target to 0.9 IF. It will be lower with all that coasting by the end.
When I look at the race profile,
http://www.ironman.com/~/media/74277664efe44eba981727196a44b3fa/19wcnicebike3%20turn%20by%20turn.pdf
I see two tiers of hillage. One starting at ~mile 6>12.
6 miles with +1200 feet. That is the time I'm gonna spin like crazy.
then, the real hill from the TdF starting ~15 or 16>22.
~6 miles with +2000 feet. That is the one where I'm gonna channel some real climbers and stand for ~1 hour and mash like I'm a real bike racer.
Then, recover for an hour.....trying not to go off a cliff making all those 90 degree turns at speed. Oh, yeah-LET's GO!!