Tips

Since many people lose the ability to think clearly as soon as the effort begins, I recommend putting a large sticker on your stem with your target power written on it.

Riding at a steady power, especially at high intensities, can be challenging. Personally, I find it easier when I focus on moving my heels in smooth circular motions. I donft think about pushing, pulling, or lifting - just making circles with my heels.

This is obvious on flat or downhill sections, but even on climbs, taking the shortest line is faster. So always dive aggressively into the inside of the corner. If the full width of the road is available, don't hesitate to use the innermost line even if that means crossing into the opposite lane.

You might think it's better to coast and rest your legs rather than brake, but it's actually faster to keep pedaling until the last moment and then brake. The former lets you recover, requring higher cruising power afterward. The time difference due to the length of the slowing zone is small; your cornering speed matters more.

Obviously, if you feel like you can go, sprint all-out from that point regardless of your target power. If your target power was spot on or too high, you likely won't be able to sprint. If it was too low, you'll find yourself sprinting hard.

Ideally, you shouldn't be able to sprint much at the end. But if you can, and the finish is not uphill, it's better to go hard, aiming to be completely spent 20 m before the line. Hitting top speed at the finish line won't improve your time.

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