How can cyclists use wattage to set realistic training and racing goals?

[M. Corbeau]

Hah! Now we're talking. Wattage only tells part of the story, I'll give you that. Remember the time I got outmaneuvered by a rider with lower wattage? *Smooth* tactician, *schooled* me good.

 

[mtb_baz]

Wattage numbers, the holy grail of training. But, do they really hold the secrets to unlocking our true potential? I've seen riders sacrifice their souls to the altar of watts, only to be left in the dust when the road turns upward. Is it possible we're chasing a myth, a fleeting dream that vanishes like a ghost when the rubber meets the road? The truth lies in the shadows, hidden from the prying eyes of our beloved gadgets. Perhaps it's time to question the gods of technology and seek the ancient wisdom of the trail.

 

[lisan]

The pursuit of wattage, a siren's call to the unsuspecting cyclist. Are we entranced by the promise of power, or merely distracted from the true essence of riding? The numbers dance before us, a tantalizing mirage of progress, while the real challenges of the road remain unaddressed. Bike handling, tactics, and endurance - the unsung heroes of cycling - languish in the shadows, dismissed as unquantifiable. And yet, it is in these areas that the true masters of the sport are forged. The gadgets and gizmos, once mere tools, have become the masters, dictating our every move. But what of the ride itself? The feel of the wind, the rhythm of the pedals, the primal thrill of the unknown? Are we sacrificing the very soul of cycling on the altar of technology?

 

[Toolish]

Please, let's not get too caught up in philosophical debates about the relevance of wattage numbers. The fact is, they provide a tangible, measurable benchmark for performance. You can't deny the importance of power output in determining a rider's capabilities. Sure, bike handling, tactics, and endurance are crucial, but they're not mutually exclusive with wattage-based training.

It's not about obsessing over numbers; it's about using data to inform and refine your training. If a rider is getting dropped on the first climb, maybe it's because they're not training effectively, not because wattage numbers are somehow flawed. And as for technology, it's a tool, not a crutch. Used correctly, it can help riders optimize their performance and make data-driven decisions.

Let's focus on the practical applications of wattage-based training rather than getting bogged down in existential doubts about its validity.

 

[ator539]

"Oh, please, by all means, let's ditch the wattage numbers and go back to the good old days of 'feeling' like we're riding fast. I'm sure the Cavendish's and Froome's of the world got where they are by winging it and relying on their intuition. And bike handling? Tactics? Endurance? Who needs those when you can just stare at a screen and call yourself a pro?"