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Jun 2020
10:14am, 13 Jun 2020
1,902 posts
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MudMeanderer
I think that reflects the nature of bunch racing, and a particular aspect that Zwift racing exacerbates.
Unless it's long or very hilly, bunch racing is invariably about the ability to cope with surges (OK, tactics are a little more complex on the road). It's something I've experienced on Zwift and the road - the power for the first 30s-1min may be nearly double my ftp.
If you have a strong ftp compared to your sprint or 1-3min power (i.e. you're basically a time trialler), then Zwift Power based on ftp may not work in your favour. I've seen requests for a race result based categorisation similar to on the road to overcome this, but for a large number of sporadically racing riders that would bring its own problems.
For all the talk of weight doping by artificially deflating your weight, I'm almost surprised the opposite doesn't seem to be more common (at least for those not cleanly in A or D), i.e. artificially inflating the weight to move down a category and racing predominantly on flat courses were weight counts less.
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Jun 2020
10:22am, 13 Jun 2020
1,903 posts
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MudMeanderer
Simbil: The 95% of 20min is the classic ftp test, but I've seen slightly different test protocols recently (most noticeably Sufferfest's 4DP, but also one on Trainer Road) that include intervals of other durations during the test, so taking the edge of any anaerobic capacity. In these cases it may make sense to use 100% of 20min as the measure.
Personally I did a ramp test instead, because I find pacing hard on the turbo.
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Jun 2020
11:06am, 13 Jun 2020
70,172 posts
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Gobi
I have used Zwift power since joining Zwift, went straight in as a B and was promptly blown straight out of a few races. I just needed to learn how to race on Zwift really. I'm now an A and sometimes I still get spat out but I am in the right place.
It's hard but I like it.
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Jun 2020
11:09am, 13 Jun 2020
263 posts
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redordead
Thanks, really interesting comments. I am not very "explosive" and prefer trying to be consistent - I have done a few of the Tempus Fugit TTs where I can control my efforts a bit more - the races on Zwift, even D categories, can be a bit crazy! My FTP, according to Zwift is 231W and Zwift Powers gives me a 3.23w/kg (225W) (69KG) as an average which gets me to the B category.
My last TT averaged at 227W so it is accurate I guess, it's just that it is in no way competitive for B races!!!
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Jun 2020
11:11am, 13 Jun 2020
3,648 posts
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ndellar
I might clear my diary and have a go at the full Alpe tomorrow 😬
Haven’t forgotten about the Zwift meet-up I’ve had some fmails - shall look at that for maybe next weekend. Just a fun and easy thing for maybe 45 mins
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Jun 2020
11:13am, 13 Jun 2020
265 posts
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redordead
@ndellar - i will fmail you my details for the Zwfit meet up!
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Jun 2020
11:15am, 13 Jun 2020
3,649 posts
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ndellar
Nice one thanks 😊
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Jun 2020
11:19am, 13 Jun 2020
70,174 posts
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Gobi
RED - I am racing Pros at points now - FTP is 318 according to data and I have ridden 315 for an hour during a race. You have to be prepared to risk it all in those first 5 mins sometimes just to be in the race.
I'm not explosive but if I am prepared to ride 400 watts for the first minute I can USUALLY get in the front bunch.
Today I put in PBs all the way to the base of the EPIC KOM and got dropped by the leaders while doing nearly 5Wkg for 2 mins.
Eventually I climbed the Alpe to 13th overall but basically 1hr 45 with the final 45 mins at 4.4Wkg is not nice :¬)
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Jun 2020
1:01pm, 13 Jun 2020
1,676 posts
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auburnette
First ride on Zwift yesterday  I'm Zoe Fiander on there if anyone wants to follow me! I haven't got a clue what I'm doing 😂
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Jun 2020
1:05pm, 13 Jun 2020
3,650 posts
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ndellar
Well done AB, I’ll find you and follow. I don’t really know either, I just like pedalling around the (virtual) place
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