Raptor <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> Scott Hendricks wrote:
> > I'm always skeptical when I hear Ligget talk about the speeds attained in racing, and equally
> > skeptical when hearing folks talk about sprinting speeds, so no surprise that this thread caught
> > my attention.
> >
> > For giggles, I went to analyticcycling.com and crunched just a couple of numbers. Admittedly,
> > these numbers don't take into account the fact that subsequent riders in a leadout train are
> > getting a bit of a draft, but... the bottom line is much the same for each rider as they come to
> > the front.
> >
> > So, here's what I found:
> >
> > given the defaults of no wind and normal rolling resistance on asphalt, it takes 1500W to go 42
> > mph, and 2000W to hit a measly 47.4 mph., and roughly 2300W to hit 50mph.
>
> So it must have been slightly downhill and/or with a healthy tailwind or draft. Nonetheless, I've
> seen it happen on TV. I'm just qeustion the accuracy of what I saw.
>
> > And if you think there are folks strong enough to generate that sort of wattage, think of it
> > this way: 50 mph in a 53/11 gear takes a cadence over 130 rpm. Really, who do you know who can
> > spin a 53/11 at 130 rpm???
>
> Ooh, ooh, pick me! Well, I managed to spin out my 52/12. Downhill (~8%) with a tailwind (15mph).
> 56.2 mph, my personal best. So I think I can spin out a 53/11 under similar conditions.
>
> Yeah, I know I'm being pedantic. Sorry.
>
> > So, next time someone tells you they're sprinting at approx 50 mph, feel free to call '********'
> > on 'em.
> >
> > Not the same Scott, but providing analysis, nonetheless
> >
> > Scott H.
>
> The problem is, this was live coverage of the Vuelta last year. The moto telemetry indicated
> the speed.
>
> --
I've seen the sort of coverage you're basing your arguments on. I don't buy it. First, you never
really get a good view of the speedo needle, and second, it rarely shows the moto in relation to the
pack. I've seen times where the motorcycle was clearly passing along side the pack, accelerating
past them, and they've shown the speedo at that time. Hell, the moto probably had a 5-10 mph
advantage at that time.
Bottom line, there just isn't anyone out there who can generate the required wattage for the
required time, at the end of a long race, to go that fast. If someone can show empirical data such
as a printout from a SRM log, maybe I'll believe it. Till then, it's just hype.
I'm curious if anyone has the numbers for top track sprinters or kilo riders. It'd make an
interesting comparison. Anyone know the top wattage from someone like Nothstein or the like?
