So, I completed the Ironman Austria last week. Swimming was OK with 00:58, first bike lap was Ok at 02:29 at 261W NP (at 93kg weight). Then the troubles started - I felt like I was pushing all out, but my powermeter was reading only 220W. Some time later 200W, in the end 180W. Cadence dropped from mid 80ies to high 60ies. I was really really scared I wouldnt make it over the mountains, however when I went up to the bars all was OK and I managed to get above 300W again.
So my question is: Is my bike fit crap so that I am using only certain muscles which are then completely overused? (it was feeling like the anterior chain and inner rotational muscles were completely done, my posterior muscles must have been underused when I can get uphill upright?) I am not using my strong posterior chain?
To get some things out of the way:
- I did not overpace. Last Ironman was 258W NP, and in February I did a 6.5h ride at 256W even prior to starting any interval training (although on a road bike with an undoutably perfect fit)
- I did a bike fit, 3 actually. The last one I am using now is from the same fitter that made the perfect fit on the road bike, but I never liked this tri bike fit. I did never have this much saddle setback
- I thought I was used to the position. I do all my indoor training on a tri bike, and some outdoor rides. But of course you are never as long in aero position as in a race (especially with traffic outdoors), also in 70.3s I didnt really notice the issue.
Small Video of me on my bike: https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=x2GpZm
And some pics:
Thanks for your help!
So my question is: Is my bike fit crap so that I am using only certain muscles which are then completely overused? (it was feeling like the anterior chain and inner rotational muscles were completely done, my posterior muscles must have been underused when I can get uphill upright?) I am not using my strong posterior chain?
To get some things out of the way:
- I did not overpace. Last Ironman was 258W NP, and in February I did a 6.5h ride at 256W even prior to starting any interval training (although on a road bike with an undoutably perfect fit)
- I did a bike fit, 3 actually. The last one I am using now is from the same fitter that made the perfect fit on the road bike, but I never liked this tri bike fit. I did never have this much saddle setback
- I thought I was used to the position. I do all my indoor training on a tri bike, and some outdoor rides. But of course you are never as long in aero position as in a race (especially with traffic outdoors), also in 70.3s I didnt really notice the issue.
Small Video of me on my bike: https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=x2GpZm
And some pics:
Thanks for your help!