Is it really worth obsessing over Zwifts watts-per-kilogram (w/kg) metric when it comes to sprint intervals, or are we just chasing a number that doesnt necessarily translate to real-world sprint performance? I mean, think about it - Zwifts algorithm is based on a riders weight, which isnt always an accurate representation of their power-to-weight ratio. Not to mention, w/kg can be easily skewed by factors like aerodynamics, bike weight, and even the type of trainer being used.
And what about the actual sprint itself? Are we focusing too much on the peak power output and not limburg enough on the overall sprint duration and cadence? Ive seen riders who can crank out insane watts for a single second, but then fade quickly, while others may not have the same peak power but can maintain a high wattage for a longer period of time. Which one is more indicative of real-world sprint performance?
Furthermore, shouldnt we be looking at other metrics like maximum power output, peak heart rate, and even muscle oxygenation levels to get a more complete picture of our sprint performance? Or are we just relying too heavily on Zwifts w/kg metric because its easy to track and compare with others? Id love to hear from coaches and experienced riders on this topic - are we putting too much stock in Zwifts metrics, or are they still a valuable tool for improving our sprint game?