I watched Emma Snowsill shred the field in Chicago yesterday. Does any one have any idea if she does a specialized type of bike training to generate enough watts to stay with or close to the best in the world at just 105 lbs while most or all of her competitors have 20-30% more weight (and muscle mass) to get it done.
not knowing much about her, but doesn’t she race draft legal ITU races? That would explain how anybody with a lower absolute bike Power output at LT can stay with the more powerful riders. And then it’s a runner’s race anyways, so the weight savings should come in nicely.
Chicago is not draft legal.
she focuses a lot on non-drafting races these days.
If size was the only factor for bike speed I would be hella fast. Unfortunately I’m also a giant sail 6’4" 240 lbs. All the little guys I see out there are faster than me. Not a lot but faster but faster still and not as strong.
Very high power to weight ratio which helps her watts per kg combine that with a good bike body position with small frontal area and a overall low drag profile.
Extremely high tolerance for pain, lots of hard work and the right combination of heritage.
And it’s a pretty flat course, negating any advantage that a rider with a climber like body type would have on uphills.
Natascha B can’t weight much more…I am amazed and encouraged by the different sizes and shapes of the top ladies in the field of triathlon.
She is running sub 6 10K pace. The key is in the run. Although she is up front on the bike but her strenght is in the run.
My answer: freak of nature. She is amazing!
Yes all the power to weight ratio makes sense, on top of that, I have to say that her coach being her live-in boyfriend, and that certain boyfriend being a killer swim/biker must help her. I have no idea if waldo could even train “lightly” for the past 2 years that he has been sick, but if she was used to trying to keep up with waldo, well it’d be like trying to keep up with kemper or bennett on training runs…
not knowing much about her, but doesn’t she race draft legal ITU races? That would explain how anybody with a lower absolute bike Power output at LT can stay with the more powerful riders. And then it’s a runner’s race anyways, so the weight savings should come in nicely.
She has smashed fields in non-draft races on the bike before as well - eg Noosa in australia more than once. I asked myself Speedform’s question after seeing results from these too. From what I have seen photographic evidence does not suggest a particularly aero/low position (for her size) either.
I was watching as well. She is just incredibly talented and focused. I was blown away by how teeny she is. And how fast! That was so fun to watch.
You’re just a bit taller than her… 
Congrats again on your race!
If your definition of “a bit” = a foot and about 25 lbs
Thanks! I’m glad you introduced yourself, it was nice to meet you - how did your gf finish?
RR
My wife had a bad swim and ended up 6th in your wave. I don’t know if the top 5 thing for US Open in Dallas rolls down or not, but if it does, I think she’ll be doing that one. Are you going to go? Or are you doing Kona and Clearwater?
It does roll, and I turned it down, so she’s guaranteed a spot 
I am doing both Kona and Clearwater. I was disappointed because when I signed up they said the winner would get a trip to MN’s Lifetime fitness tri, which I could have done, but Dallas won’t happen. So you can pass along the news that she is in! And congratulate her for me - just checked her splits - nice race!
RR
Oh cool…she’ll be happy as now she’ll probably go with a friend who qualified at Lifetime. Good luck at Kona and Clearwater!