This seems like an obvious question, but I feel like I need clarification!
So I raced IMWA 2 weeks ago. Race was unspectacular. I was expecting to bike a bit better. I rode 5.23 last year with 1 flat and a slow flat going down from 60kms. So who knows how much quicker I could have ridden. FTP was 257w and weight was around 72kg. I wasn't on a program, not biking enough and running lots. This year I was on a program, in hindsight not enough running (calf injury was partially responsible) biking was solid so was expecting 5.05 - 5.10. I rode 5.17 and overbiked. It was hot and windy, the wind shifted 180 so we had a double headwind, but still..... so I was a little perplexed as to why I battled so much, FTP was around 280. I was heavier though, probably close to 75kg, the lack of running didn't help and although I eat well, I do need to get some specific nutritional advice. Maybe too many carbs.
So then the penny dropped, I worked out watts/kg and I was virtually the same. I've never really paid too much attention to watts/kg. It doesn't really get mentioned, just FTP, what power you're going to race at, not weight in relation to that. So is that right, doesn't matter what your bike fitness, FTP is, it's what your watts/kg are? I was too focused on improving my fitness, cognisant I'd put on a few kegs, but not concerned....
So I raced IMWA 2 weeks ago. Race was unspectacular. I was expecting to bike a bit better. I rode 5.23 last year with 1 flat and a slow flat going down from 60kms. So who knows how much quicker I could have ridden. FTP was 257w and weight was around 72kg. I wasn't on a program, not biking enough and running lots. This year I was on a program, in hindsight not enough running (calf injury was partially responsible) biking was solid so was expecting 5.05 - 5.10. I rode 5.17 and overbiked. It was hot and windy, the wind shifted 180 so we had a double headwind, but still..... so I was a little perplexed as to why I battled so much, FTP was around 280. I was heavier though, probably close to 75kg, the lack of running didn't help and although I eat well, I do need to get some specific nutritional advice. Maybe too many carbs.
So then the penny dropped, I worked out watts/kg and I was virtually the same. I've never really paid too much attention to watts/kg. It doesn't really get mentioned, just FTP, what power you're going to race at, not weight in relation to that. So is that right, doesn't matter what your bike fitness, FTP is, it's what your watts/kg are? I was too focused on improving my fitness, cognisant I'd put on a few kegs, but not concerned....