Tell U Ride

 Some VERY interesting data from Training Peaks on the fist stage of the Pro Challenge, won of course, by Wenatchee's own Tyler Farrar. The first stage was a grueling 125.6 miles and almost 10,000 feet of gain from Durango to Telluride. What I find interesting is in the analysis of Tyler's ride into Telluride, or to tell you of the ride, so to speak. 

Seems the young ace from Garmin-Sharp not only did the deed at critical speed, in a snappy 4:42, he spent almost an hour COASTING DOWNHILL!!!

Try THAT on your CompuTrainer! So we have from Tyler the classic example of the work-rest interval at play. Another example is from Tejay van Garderen, another Washingtonian, and an equally savvy racer. He knows when to conserve and regroup and when to recherché. We also see evidence of his overall power as noted in his attack on Lizzard Head Pass at 327w controlled and steady watts. This is good stuff with which to make some comparisons. 

Yes, between the top Pro's and what we do on a daily basis to mirror their efforts in the humble House of Mirth. 

The secret being, if there is such a thing as a secret in the cycling world, that critical power, functional power and power to weight ratio are crucial to success at any altitude. Please also notice that Lucas Euser weighs in at 128 pounds yet managed to generate 912 peak watts with a 207 average at 25.8mph over his five hour ride. Wow.  

That is a lot of data. A ton of information but also a simple and sure way for us to toss in the towel and surrender. Before you give up because these numbers indicate the chasm of difference between you, me and them, please factor in a few variables. Such as your:

Age

Profession

Filial responsibilities

Available training hours

Current fitness

Dispossable income to spend on sport

Number of years on the Pro circuit.

Plug this number into the equation and see what you get. 

You get an 'atta boy" or an "atta girl" from me. 

If you are going to compare, beware. 

Because some of you have inquired, shown are last night's post workout dinner (and dessert): Curried basmati rice with sweet potato and sunflower seeds, and Sharlyn melon, peaches and strawberries with Sicilian Lemon and Blood Orange gelato. Good and good for ya!