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Power output potential and age


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In my Cadence class, I sit next to a fellow 30 years younger than me, with the same 20-minute FTP value (in Watts/kg) as mine. Apart from being a much younger model, there is another fundamental difference between us: his engine is brand new, whilst mine has been round the clock a few times. So are we really comparing apples with apples here; are his Watts/kg really the same as mine?

 

In the cycling/power output world, you never read about any correlation between age and power output. Are the physiologists suggesting we all have the same power output potential regardless of age? Strange because it is well-researched fact that muscle mass, and by deduction therefore, power output capability decline after age 50, depending of course upon the individual. Recovery is also proven to be slower in older people, yet in the Cadence class, there is no differentiation.

 

To me, something is missing. Surely there should be a correction factor for age in respect of actual measured (or tested) power output? If not, why do we race in different categories based on age?

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Why do you need to have the power output corrected, it is what it is.

You may be a genetic freak, the guy next to you may be a couch potato. You may be near the upper end of your potential, he may not. There are so many possibilities here, just accept the fact that old toppies can and most times are faster,stronger, fitter, than the lighties!!! :) 

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the whole point of power is that it is what it is. It is not affected by headwind, tyre pressure, rain, snow, age. A watt is a watt is a watt and that is the beauty of power training.

 

Everything you said is true, and that means you are in great shape for your age, no correction needed. 

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In my Cadence class, I sit next to a fellow 30 years younger than me, with the same 20-minute FTP value (in Watts/kg) as mine. Apart from being a much younger model, there is another fundamental difference between us: his engine is brand new, whilst mine has been round the clock a few times. So are we really comparing apples with apples here; are his Watts/kg really the same as mine?

 

In the cycling/power output world, you never read about any correlation between age and power output. Are the physiologists suggesting we all have the same power output potential regardless of age? Strange because it is well-researched fact that muscle mass, and by deduction therefore, power output capability decline after age 50, depending of course upon the individual. Recovery is also proven to be slower in older people, yet in the Cadence class, there is no differentiation.

 

To me, something is missing. Surely there should be a correction factor for age in respect of actual measured (or tested) power output? If not, why do we race in different categories based on age?

Nope it is what it is and really the beauty of it...1watt is one 1watt, doesnt matter if you get it out of 50year or 10year old legs.

 

PS, the human body is the only engine that become better the more you use it.

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The equipment is measuring power output not age of muscle. If the force applied is the same it is the same as far as I know. He might be able to go much higher with more training or you might , but 4w /kg is 4w/kg regardless of age,gender or race.

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Why do you need to have the power output corrected, it is what it is.

You may be a genetic freak, the guy next to you may be a couch potato. You may be near the upper end of your potential, he may not. There are so many possibilities here, just accept the fact that old toppies can and most times are faster,stronger, fitter, than the lighties!!! :)

 

Exactly

 

The problem with power figures comparisons IMHO.... is the accuracy and consistency of the various different power measurement devices.

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you could be onto something here. Eskom is 92 this year.......

My father  worked for Eskom 30 years ago .Even then it was a F#%%up ,but at least they knew about it and admitted to the problems 

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Nope it is what it is and really the beauty of it...1watt is one 1watt, doesnt matter if you get it out of 50year or 10year old legs.

 

PS, the human body is the only engine that become better the more you use it.

Fine - then answer my question - why are races structured according to age group? After all, as you've just alluded to, our physiological capabilities are all the same, regardless of age....

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I thought most races are structured according to your seeding index.  Only the results give overall (regardless of age) and division/category related to age group for reference

 

In other words your seeding can be a direct relation to your power and you start with similar of similar abilities and power output

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Fine - then answer my question - why are races structured according to age group? After all, as you've just alluded to, our physiological capabilities are all the same, regardless of age....

Stage of life :P students race against other students, young professionals, young parents, pre retirees and the retirees. Everyone then has similar amount of time to train :P

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Fine - then answer my question - why are races structured according to age group? After all, as you've just alluded to, our physiological capabilities are all the same, regardless of age....

 

 

Our physiological capabilities are not the same, regardless of age.

 

The measure of our physiological capabilities remains the same.

 

However, there is significant variance between people. So a 50 year old may well be putting out more Watts or weigh fewer kg than a 30 year old, giving them the same values.

 

But, all other things being equal, the 50 year old would not be as strong as he was at thirty.

 

 

Unless he is Chris Horner who was (relatively) *** through his twenties and thirties but became a Grand Tour winner in his forties.... :ph34r:  :ph34r: :ph34r:  

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A WATT is a WATT and a KG is a KG.

 

The weight is the other very important aspect of it.

 

the reason why there are age categories for Racing is that in MOST (not all) the bunch average W/Kg ratio will be slightly higher in the 30-39 category than the 40-49 or 50-59 categories.

 

There are many dudes in the VC cat that will kill all but the top 5 of the VAs, so its all about giving the various aged ballies a more level playing field.

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