cadence observation: racing vs. training - need help

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Hello,

I find that every time I race, my cadence is usually always higher (especially when climbing hills) than when I'm training and I believe this is due to unconciously mimicing other racers cadence when racing. Although I don't have a cadence meter on my bike, I think my training cadence averages about 70-80 - probably in the 60's on climbs. When racing, my climbing cadence seems to be in the 80's.

I desire to improve my training to help me become a better bike racer. My question is the following:

1. Would it be advantageous to increase my cadence when training so that it better matches my race cadence?
2. Is this difference in cadence really a problem?

Thanks for your help.

MHCyclist

What kind of races are we talking about?

Road Racing primarily.What kind of races are we talking about?

Hello,

I find that every time I race, my cadence is usually always higher (especially when climbing hills) than when I'm training and I believe this is due to unconciously mimicing other racers cadence when racing. Although I don't have a cadence meter on my bike, I think my training cadence averages about 70-80 - probably in the 60's on climbs. When racing, my climbing cadence seems to be in the 80's.

I desire to improve my training to help me become a better bike racer. My question is the following:

1. Would it be advantageous to increase my cadence when training so that it better matches my race cadence?
2. Is this difference in cadence really a problem?

Thanks for your help.

MHCyclist
Is it possible that your climbing cadence is higher in races simply because you are going harder? Racing is a good motivator =)

That is possible.

I rarely do group rides and when doing my solo rides, I do find it difficult sometimes to elevate my heartrate > 90% of max HR. But I can get my heartrate up while grinding away at a low cadence (~60 bpm uphill cadence). I'm just wondering if it would be more beneficial to maintain a higher cadence at > 90% max HR vs. grinding at a lower one.

Is it possible that your climbing cadence is higher in races simply because you are going harder? Racing is a good motivator =)

Road Racing primarily.
My climbing cadence is also probably a bit higher during group riding than solo riding. In my case, I prefer to keep momentum by spinning up a big gear at the bottom of the hill and then sequentially shifting down during the climb as the bike slows. However, when riding with a group, the accordian effect means that I'm not able to start pedalling as early as I normally would, and being blocked in means I end up shifting to a low gear earlier in the climb and just casually spinning up the hill in a small gear.