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Power Test Time

Good News! For what must be the umpteenth post where I have told you I have solved my knee issue, this time it has come true! Just wish I had done it earlier, but surgery sounds so dramatic at 19.

I have been back in training for about a month now and just got a power meter. I greatly prefer training with these, otherwise I spend the whole time reeming myself and crawling back home at 15mph. It takes all the guesswork out of interval training as well. I just wish the guys at powermeters.com could true a wheel properly, as without fail, all my 3 wheels have buckled on the second ride. I did my power profile test last Monday and Wednesday, after a weekends rest at the Ghent six day. Saturday night was horrible as I got hammered for the first time. What a crap experience. Why do people love doing this all the time?

The important numbers below are the 20 minute power (FTP), 5 min power, 1 minute power, and 5 second power. I did the threshold test on Monday which determined 20 minute and 5 minute power. I did the power test today to figure out the 5 second and 1 minute power. I did the 5 second sprints at the end of the test, but still, the figures are abysmal for this and the 1 minute test! I am pleased with the FTP (functional threshold power) and 5 minute power as I am 3 kilos over race weight and just come off a knee injury.


Here is a power profile devised by power coach Hunter Allen. It shows quite clearly a rider's strengths and weaknesses. I think that once I am conditioned the 5 minute and FTP power will rise into domestic pro level by the end of the year, but I suspect my sprint and 1 minute test will always be poor. I think I will focus on my strengths. If anyone is interested in comparing themselves to the pros they should have a look at www.sportscientists.com as they have some great analysis. For the short version though, the top GC contenders nowadays have a FTP of around 6 at the Tour De France; past dopers have measured to be almost 7.
Here I am about 10 days before putting out a 3:12 effort up Crimp Hill for the club hill climb champs. I did a 3:09 last year on inferior equipment with my dodgy knee, so still lots of work to be done fitness wise. My brother did a great ride, 3:19 for a rugby player! Maybe he needs to switch sports.
Next year is still undecided but will be settled soon, I'll keep you posted.

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