JasonW

And as he points out, its probably the key training zone for MTB. Kinda confirms we have been chatting about on the Cederberg Experience threads

Huge gap between avg and norm power here due to the amount of downhill and time sitting in a bunch. It really was like a road race. The winners clocked over 30 kph avg speed! I was 4 mins back at a similar avg HR.

Great thanks! I was 4 mins behind on this stage. Again my HR was about 10bpm higher and I think I was probably sitting at low L4 on the two climbs. For those that think that the max speed of 84 kph is an error - it isn't. The descent into Wuppertal was a blast!

Hi Peter I did not have a power meter so I can't really say for sure how much time I spent in L4. The first day only had one significant climb. It was however a really long one (about 15 kms I think). It was at the start so I tried to ride it fairly conservatively and would judge my effort to be top end of L3. The rest of the stage was relatively flat, but on very tough terrain. 1kTT has a very much higher FTP than I do. Mine is currently at 265w, hence the greater energy expenditure to do the same time. Maybe not such a big difference after all Jason - 1kmTT is 4.4 w/kg (if his 340w number is actually FTP and not 20 min power as he says) whereas yours is 4.2w/kg. So he only has the equivalent of another 13w on you, and should have been working at a broadly similar %age of FTP as you were to finish in the same time. Yes, that's true. He was about 12 mins quicker on this stage, but less on the 2nd and 3rd, so will be interesting to see what his stats for the other stages are like (hint hint!)

Hi Peter I did not have a power meter so I can't really say for sure how much time I spent in L4. The first day only had one significant climb. It was however a really long one (about 15 kms I think). It was at the start so I tried to ride it fairly conservatively and would judge my effort to be top end of L3. The rest of the stage was relatively flat, but on very tough terrain. 1kTT has a very much higher FTP than I do. Mine is currently at 265w, hence the greater energy expenditure to do the same time.

That's great news about the powertap for disc wheels. Looking at 1kTT's stats, it appears that he was riding in mid L2 to mid L3 for the stage. Adapting the figures to my weight (I did a similar time for the stage), I reckon that I was riding mid to high L3 for the stage (on average) with no significant periods at L4. I felt like I was at my limit for the whole stage and finished with an average HR of 90%. I think this really emphasises how important sweetspot training is for marathon length MTB races.

On day 1 there was very little free wheeling hence the narrow gap between avg power and normalised power. I think MTB races will always tend to give a wide cadence range due to the variabiulity of the terrain and the fact that one can seldom get into a steady rythm.

Hi 1kTT, it would be really great if you could post some stats from MTB races on the Hub once you get a chance.

You will also have to then get a couch to help you with your training. If you spend all your time on the "couch" then you won't need a power meter

How much do the Equinox clinchers weigh?

The funny thing is that there were well over 400 people for the Stellenbosch 60km race earlier in the year, and probbaly more for the Argus MTB. I think it has a lot to do with marketing. It's really a pity coz most people rate Ceres as one of the best. Then again do we really want the hoards at Ceres?

Have a look at: http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2007/shows/eurobike07/?id=results/eurobike076 They seem to suggest that the Garmin 705 is only compatible with the "new" SRM. Any ides if there will be compatibility wit the PT 2.4? Afraid the science is beyond me!

So all you need to do is ride the whole race leaning over at 15 degrees and you will be at an advantage! Of course you will probably go round in circles and/or crash...

Hi, just bear in mind that the PowerTap does not work with a disc break, i.e. you will need to put a rim break on the back and probably replace your rear rim. I also suspect that the Anthem does not have a rear rim break attachment. Sorry if this is bad news !