I have just bought a powertap SL but Im not sure the best way to utilise it in my training. What tests should I do to determine my power zones and once I have sorted out my power zones what intervals should I do in each zone and at what time of year?
Im am a 3rd cat (British) road racer wanting to progress to a 2nd cat. Im not a very good sprinter but I am fairly good up climbs lasting over a minute and I am a reasonable time trialist but I have never done any specific training for time trials so I think I could improve to a good time trialist (I want to use my time trialling skill in road racing e.g. lone break aways).
I am currently just doing my base training at the moment but how should I use my power meter now and as it move closer to the racing season?
If any additional information is needed so you can give me better advice post what you need and I will reply.
I have just bought a powertap SL but Im not sure the best way to utilise it in my training. What tests should I do to determine my power zones and once I have sorted out my power zones what intervals should I do in each zone and at what time of year?
A test or series of tests to determine your power profile would be a good place to start. Then you'll have some idea of your strength and weaknesses relative to your Cat 2 goal and what you will need to focus on. Descriptions in the above link.
As to what intervals to perform, how, how much and when to do them, well that's a pretty in depth coaching question and without further understanding the detail of your individual situation, it would be difficult to answer with specifics.
You might want to consider working with a coach experienced in training with power.
I'm a tester based in the UK, and been using a PT for a year or so.
I would highly recommend the Cycling Peaks s/ware rather than using the PT s/ware - it offers so much more. Use Alex' powerprofile link to see more. There's some great info re training on this forum, but as Alex has already mentioned, a 'power' based coach would be the most efficient way to go. Good luck.
Get this book and read every word in it: [img]velopress.com213.jpgOpen ↗[/img] [font=tahoma] Training and Racing with a Power Meter [/font] [font=tahoma] [/font]
And then once you've ridden with your SL and seen the data, done some tests, go back and read it again, it will make more sense when you are looking at your own data.
