Lachlan Morton completes 5,510km Alt Tour, beating peloton to Paris by five days

Re:Lachlan Morton completes 5,510km Alt Tour, beating peloto... by matsemann on Tuesday July 13, 2021 @02:50PM (#27824674)

One thing to note is that their output is also crazy compared to their weight. Looking at the numbers I sometimes think I could stay in the peloton. But then I realize I'd be dropped as a hot potato in the first small uphill segment.

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Re:Lachlan Morton completes 5,510km Alt Tour, beating peloto... by alistairSH on Tuesday July 13, 2021 @03:52PM (#27825479)

Absolutely.

A strong recreational cyclist might have an FTP of 4 w/kg (FTP = functional threshold power = power one can maintain for an hour in perfect conditions). I can hit that target at peak fitness, but most of the year, I'm well below.

Mathieu van der Poel is about 75kg with an FTP above 400 watts. Over 5w/kg. He's a relatively heavy professional cyclist, but an amazing all around cyclist who can climb, sprint, and win just about any day.

Tadej Pogacar, the current Tour leader, weighs about the same as me (68kg), but has an FTP somewhere around 400 watts. Or 5.8w/kg.

Of course, 1 hour power isn't everything. The 5, 10, and 20 minute power these guys can generate is even more mind-boggling (not to mention more critical on race day, as they have to cover attacks and break-aways).

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