Motor pacing

zax1 said:

What are the real benefits of motor pacing for the pros and for us amateurs. And whats the best way to train in this manner if at all?

Because of the lake of air resistance you get to go faster than you would without and you have to sustain it the bike in front is controling the speed. I do this by going out with people who are much faster than me and trying to sit on thier wheel. They know I can't take a turn and survive the ride! So its a human engine but does the same job.

zax1 said:

What are the real benefits of motor pacing for the pros and for us amateurs. And whats the best way to train in this manner if at all?

The real benefit of motor pacing lies in its ability to simulate the stochastic power outputs inherent to riding in a group...in other words, it's just like racing! Staying in the draft of a fast moving scooter (or stronger cyclist) results in a highly variable power output, full of surges, freewheeling, steady efforts, the whole mix. Plus, most of us find it psychologically easier to suffer in this way .... "I will not get dropped...I will not get dropped...." If you plan to motor pace for training, I don't recommend using a car or a motor cycle. Both accelerate too easily/fast, and a car is overly dangerous. A good scooter is where it's at.

Smartt/RST said:

The real benefit of motor pacing lies in its ability to simulate the stochastic power outputs inherent to riding in a group...in other words, it's just like racing! Staying in the draft of a fast moving scooter (or stronger cyclist) results in a highly variable power output, full of surges, freewheeling, steady efforts, the whole mix. Plus, most of us find it psychologically easier to suffer in this way .... "I will not get dropped...I will not get dropped...." If you plan to motor pace for training, I don't recommend using a car or a motor cycle. Both accelerate too easily/fast, and a car is overly dangerous. A good scooter is where it's at.

So what sort of speeds heart rates do you reckon on training at. is it worth trying to simulate a race ? or should you be at a constant?

zax1 said:

So what sort of speeds heart rates do you reckon on training at. is it worth trying to simulate a race ? or should you be at a constant?

Well, it's really all about the goals you are looking to achieve. The relationships between intensity and time are constants and based to the physiologic response to exercise. For example, for developing MAP (max aerobic power), intervals are 3-5min long, whether riding solo or motor pacing, as long as you are averaging the right amount of power in the end; motor pacing will just be faster, have a more varied power output and force you to practice drafting at high intensities. Whether this is a good thing or not depends on the kind of races/fitness you are looking to develop.