maximising your strengths

If you'd have asked me a month ago (before working with a coach) what my strengths are as a cyclist, I would have said:

"I am an all rounder. I have good endurance. I can ride powerfully solo. I can also climb a bit for a big guy..."

Sure I know what kind of rider I am. But did I really take this into consideration in planning my training? In targeting races?

Last weeks power profile test told me this:

"You have a good threshold power and 5 minute power. Your sprinting and explosiveness is your weakness."

You can work on your weaknesses. Try to improve them. But perhaps there are more gains to be made from maximising your strengths.

My profile suits a steady state rider. A hill climber or a time trialist.

A hill climber?

I've had success in hill climbs past. Winning a few small races. Placing well in big races.

However, my weight at 75 kg is a big limiting factor.

If I (75 kg) climb at threshold 335 W (4.47 W/kg), my average competitor (60 kg) only has to push 270 watts. That's 65 watts out of the window right there.

My coach said "You should be looking at flat events. Where you can ride solo and at threshold. Maximise your advantage."

A time trialist?

I love time trialing. The race of truth. Aerobars on the front. A disc on the back.

However, I only have a road bike. My experience tells me "an excellent ride on a road bike will be beaten by a very good ride on a time trial machine". I've seen this in action at Uchinada. At the moment, a TT bike is not an option.

A normal TT?

A TT on a road bike. Like the "classic hour record". No aero equipment allowed. This appeals.

Time Trial Japan has a 3 stage event through the summer. It looks interesting. But the races are far away. And short in duration.

A 300 km time trial?

Haha! If only! Like Tokyo ~ Itoigawa! This is my baby!

But this is a unique event. With the exception of the Tour of Okinawa (too far away, too expensive). Most events over 100 km turn out to be a "sportive" non-competitive event. Difficult to get motivated for a training ride.

So I started to do some research. A 300 km race of Fuji Speedway! September. 300 km on a normal bike. Slick roads. Non stop. Most starters fail to meet the 9h cut off. My kind of race!

Now if I do that one, there is another one on the Motegi race circuit in November. A 7 h enduro.

An enduro can be difficult to motivate yourself for. But the competition looks good. And if I'm maximising my strengths....

So I find myself readjusting my training plan:

3 A races:

• May - Tokyo~Itoigawa (310 km)

• September - Fuji challenge 300 km

• October - Motegi 7h

This is not final. A work in progress. I'll talk to my coach tonight. Ideas. Advice. Feedback. This is a real learning experience for me...