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Watt it takes to win Illinois State Cycling Championships

Nate Iden of Chicago Illinois practices m2 power-based training using a computrainer.

Nate finished 2nd in the recent Illinois State Championships, the finish of which saw a long and disorganized sprint due to swirling wind conditions and tight turns.  The winner by half a bike length, Nate's teammate, raced on a Powertap wheel (measures power and allows you to download to view post-race).

Criterium Race 60min + 3 x 1.2mile laps
Course 1.2mile figure eight
Average Speed 26mph
Conditions very windy
The winner's ride data for the last 44sec rush to the finish:
Rider weight 150 pounds
Average watts 675
Max watts 1253

If performance is your goal, it is clear to see that having straightforward metrics (watts) is the best way to measure your fitness, training, and racing.  Power-based training using a tool like Powertap provides you with unfettered, quantitative measurement of 'watt' it takes.

Watts relative to the duration of your event = your most relevant fitness metric.

VO2 max testing $250, metabolic testing $200, lactate testing $250, whatever.