Background: The (inevitable?) decline of my neuromuscular power over the years, plus recent heavy emphasis on FTP training, has transformed my power profile to one of an upward bent, from my previous "pursuiter" profile. A long time ago, way before power meters were around, I seemed to actually have a decent sprint. Currently I'm at 4.5 W/kg at 145 lbs. Cat. 3, 40+.
Problem: I lack the explosiveness seemingly necessary to break away from the pack in a typical crit, even one with slight hills, and I go backwards in every field sprint. How in the world can I win or even podium in a criterium? I'd really like to.
I corner well and easily keep a good position. Regular sprint training has had little effect. I always "attack" in crits but these attempts are humorously futile. All I do is drag the pack around. My "attacks" are construed as mere surges.
Has anyone else figured out a way to overcome similar weaknesses in a crit setting? If I could only get off the front!
Problem: I lack the explosiveness seemingly necessary to break away from the pack in a typical crit, even one with slight hills, and I go backwards in every field sprint. How in the world can I win or even podium in a criterium? I'd really like to.
I corner well and easily keep a good position. Regular sprint training has had little effect. I always "attack" in crits but these attempts are humorously futile. All I do is drag the pack around. My "attacks" are construed as mere surges.
Has anyone else figured out a way to overcome similar weaknesses in a crit setting? If I could only get off the front!