The road cycling season begins. One-week races, classics, concentrations to prepare for the grand tours…
In some of them, the runners and runners who arrive at an important peak are capable of giving real exhibitions. From kilometer breakaways to powerful attacks on the toughest ramps, going through the fast-paced sprints at the end of the stage.
Surely you have ever wondered how far the numbers of a professional are compared to those of a conventional cyclist. Next, we give you the answer and we tell you how to measure them reliably with the Assioma potentiometer.
First of all, we must bear in mind that there are different types of cyclists. Climbers, with profiles like Sepp Kuss or Enric Mas, are usually light and with thin muscles. Its strongest point is the climbs, thanks to the good watt/kilo ratio.
On the other hand, rolling cyclists are larger, with more developed muscles. In this group we find names like Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel. They are generally heavier than climbers, but their legs can produce more force on the pedals.
As for absolute numbers, the seconds are capable of achieving values that are truly unaffordable for a cyclist.
In this summary of data from Velon CC, where Tadej Pogacar's numbers are shown in the 2022 Strade Bianche, we see how he managed to move 350 watts on average in the last 80 minutes of the race, after more than 3 hours on top of the bike.
An ordinary cyclist, after 3 hours, could be around 150-200 average watts, which is approximately half that of a professional.
The volatas are very frenetic. The sprinters, the cyclists who often fight at the end of the stage when arriving in a large group, can reach speeds of more than 60 km/h on sections of gentle slope.
Tim Merlier, one of the most coveted sprinters, was able to achieve an average power of more than 1,100 watts during the 18 seconds before crossing the finish line on day six of the UAE Tour.
An amateur cyclist, in this period of time, could be between 600 and 800 watts, values far removed from those of a "pro".
The answer is yes. Their whole life revolves around their physical preparation, so it is normal that they are truly "out of the ordinary".
If we just look at the numbers, it could be that a touring cyclist of around 85-90kg could reach the watts of a top tier cyclist. In any case, the professional would do it with about 25-30 kg less, so that on the first climb it would be impossible to follow him. Hence the importance of w/kg.
Anyone who gets on a bicycle can know the force applied to the pedals. Likewise, if you do it once every two weeks it doesn't make much sense, but if the regularity is greater it can be useful to know your fitness.
To calculate this value you need a potentiometer like Favero Assioma, a tool designed to accurately calculate the watts generated in each pedal stroke.
This power meter, located on the pedal, provides, among other data, the average power, the cadence or the time sitting and standing. Its quick installation and ease of connection with the cycle computer make it an accessible and comfortable device. Thanks to the special IAV power technology, Favero Assioma is able to detect any variation in pedaling, in sprints for example, or with the use of oval chainrings, offering a precise measurement. In addition, it has a clear data transmission and reading, something very necessary during the route.
All these functionalities can be used to achieve an improvement in performance, as long as the training is planned in an appropriate and balanced way with other factors, such as rest or food.
