I have a question about using an ergometer (a Cardgirus Pro, in my case) to prepare for an event. I will be riding a DC at the end of April with 20,000 feet of climbing. I have been doing some 2X20 intervals to help get a bigger engine after doing some significant base work. I am wondering to what extent riding the climbs on the course (virtually right now, since it's snowing where I live) is the best preparation. If you want to be able to ride the climbs with the gearing you have without frying, riding the course and trying to go as hard (or a bit harder) than you want to on the day of the ride seems like a good way to go. Often I will average roughly the wattage I use for 2X20 intervals from 30 minutes to 1:15 when hitting the "climbs." Of course, I tend to put out more power when hitting a particularly steep section than on an easy section, but that will be true on the day of the ride as well.
So, is it best to mimic doing sections of the course or try to maintain a steady power output for as long as a particular climb will take? Constant power output only seems possible indoors, but might be a useful training exercise.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
So, is it best to mimic doing sections of the course or try to maintain a steady power output for as long as a particular climb will take? Constant power output only seems possible indoors, but might be a useful training exercise.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.