What kind of rider do you think I am?

[Toks]

[quote="-Adam-"][Doing a power test will not tell me what kind of rider I am, racing will.

[-Adam-]

Exactly, and that little example was without using power as a guide huh!

I don't think it's possible to show what your capable of on a power test on a static bike. Though I agree you will gain a rough idea. Sprinting wise, on the road is the only way to know.

E.g, your example of a rider who can put out 1300w for 5s (presumably when fresh?). If his 1hr threshold is just 290w, he won't even get close to a sprint in an E/1/2 race. In fact, I doubt he would finish at all on that power, unless he is very lightweight and has exceptional bunch positioning ability (the two rarely go hand in hand!).

[Paul H]

Isnt Huw testing kids for potential on a static bike.

Toks example proves that Adam and Phil are better at sprinting than Toks. It doesnt show you how Adam would compare to anybody else like Boonen for example - a power test would.

You dont have to do the tests on a static bike either. Im sure the top cyclists like LA have all the hard cold facts about themselves.

[-Adam-]

The Adam Toks refers too must be another, Paul, I haven't seen Toks on a bike in a long time!!

I still think the only way you can see how good a sprinter, or climber, or whatever... is in a competitive environment. Be that using a power meter or not. As there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to beat a top sprinter if say, I have been sitting on his wheel for 100km. Maybe in theory he puts out 200w more than me in a sprint, but if I can make up that 200w difference by riding smarter, that makes me the better sprinter, no?

[Paul H]

[quote]Maybe in theory he puts out 200w more than me in a sprint, but if I can make up that 200w difference by riding smarter, that makes me the better sprinter, no?

[-Adam-]

I'm talking about racing (thats the point), and types of rider...

[Paul H]

[quote]So given my physique, big legs, skinny upper body. Am I a sprinter? Am I a climber? Or am I just the character from Belleville Rendez-vous?

[-Adam-]

Missing the point again there, Paul.

[Paul H]

Dont think I have - I think you dont want to know the real answer to your question.

[-Adam-]

Yes, you're right Paul, I'm scared of the truth really.

Hows your bike by the way? Is it suprising to you that your crank was about to fall off today? Given the state it is usually in, whenever I see it. I thought that 'protective layer' of sh!t on everything was meant to... er, protect it!?

[Paul H]

Thats brave of you to admit that. Its a shame but ambition can only get you so far. i know as ive tried myself.

My racing bike is surprisingly clean. Perhaps thats the problem. ive had a mechanical on all of the 4 races ive done on it but there is only one person to blame for that.

[-Adam-]

Brave!

You must be joking!

If I were brave I wouldn't get scared when people start riding stupidly in British races. Or when I'm doing my first few laps in Belgie yesterday, going round corners stupidly fast literally centimetres off the wheel in front and with 3 riders either side of me. Nah, when I learn to be brave...

Your right about ambition though, it means nothing without the will to work hard. I work harder than you probably think.

I have a theory, which you may even agree with, that theres three types of rider:

1. Riders who are very hard working, thus make it to professional, but are never stars. None the less, riders who are well respected in the peloton.

2. Riders who are just talented, who win some big races, but never seem to last, because deep down, they're somehow lazy, or they have some other problem. There are countless examples, Jan Ulrich and Frank Vandenbroucke spring to mind.

3. Riders who work hard, and have real talent. These are the superstars. The Armstrong's, the Cavendish's, the Boonen's etc etc etc.

In this case, I'd say I was no.1. Of course I'm yet to make pro, but we'll see, considering the guys I was racing yesterday have been doing it for years, I think I'm doing ok.

[Paul H]

So you do know the answer.

I think your right about the 3 types of riders - You see this at all levels of sports to a degree.

[Sylv]

Shall we leave you the keys?

[-Adam-]

I don't bother worrying about that sh!t anymore, Marco! I just concentrate on my own training.

My manager was fairly confident there would have been guys on stuff in my race on Saturday, so the fact that they weren't riding away from me is quite comforting!