I recently started riding again after 10 years of smoking and inactivity and am wondering if I have what it takes to perform well in local Cat 4 races. I rode about 2800 miles between July and the end of Oct, 03, but have "detrained" (ie did nothing and had a smoking relapse) since. I was tested on a Computrainer this week and had the following numbers:
30 sec sprint: Peak power 1007 watts, Avg power 690 watts 5k time trial: 8min 50 secs at ~250 watts (this was done after the 30 sec sprint and I was not feeling good at all)
Other factors: I weigh 204 lbs (will race at ~190 lbs) and I'm 6' tall. Bike handling skills are fair, but improved rapidly throughout the season last year.
Is there hope for a win or two this year or will I need to accept I'm a year away from doing any damage in the local races?
Thanks for any insight or feedback you can provide!!!!
You are going to have a blast and don't focus on the numbers.
Below are middle of cat3 watt's/kg numbers: 5second, 1 min., 5 min., 20 min. 14.66 7.60 4.08 3.53
On a good day, record the above tests.
Contact me via the Serotta Forum (TT) and I'll send you a spreadsheet with some watts/kg numbers that may give you and idea of what you need to compete in the club scene.
Perhaps a goal of spending the winter training and getting to know the locals and than set your sights on finishing every race you enter and learning to know who the players are?
