The third weekend in a row to get big rides in on the coast today.
180km, 90km with a strong tailwind, 90km with a strong headwind. About 50km each way with the group.
With the tailwind it is 50kph through and off.
On the flat at this speed, power to weight ratio goes out of the window. It’s all about power and reducing your frontal area and cutting through the wind.
I’m happy that I can pull at 52, 53kph.
On a road bike, if you can get your head down, it makes a massive difference.
The smaller the frontal area the better.
On the front of the group you save energy.
If you attack off the front you can go faster.
If there is a sprint prime, it will also help you.
Of course you can’t ride looking at the tarmac.
The key is to get your head down, while looking up diagonally.
Like a breast stroke swimmer coming out of the water.
If your eyeballs start to
hurt, you know you are going hard enough!
We spend lots of money on aero bikes, aero wheels, aero helmets and aero skinsuits.
But getting your position right on the bike is the cheapest and most effective way to get speed.
Ride on!