cadence observation: racing vs. training - need help

MHCyclist

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

frenchyge

What kind of races are we talking about?

MHCyclist

Road Racing primarily.

Pureshot78

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

MHCyclist

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.