The 2016 Tour de France is three stages down, and it’s 3 to the sprinters. This article, a republish from 2014, looks at the power output, aerodynamics and tactics of a pro sprint, with a little help from a guest contributor expert, Paolo Menaspa
Cycling
Eight quick thoughts on the Froome data
Chris Froome’s data, or the first part thereof, was published in Esquire yesterday evening. Some thoughts on what it says, means, and what may yet be added
Froome’s scenarios: The data, dilemmas and dark side of the moon
Chris Froome’s data is due to be released tomorrow. Here are my thoughts on what it shows, what it can’t show, the testers, the process, and some predictive scenarios for you to play with when those numbers do come out
Great power, great responsibility. Less power, greater speeds
“With great power comes great responsibility”, quoted Sky as they released Froome’s power data from the Pyrenees. Only problem is that with less power than some rivals, he achieved greater speeds. Physics reared its head, and created impossible scenarios.
Comparative and longitudinal physiology
There’s been much talk of how physiological data – a VO2max – would validate or refute cycling performance. The reality is, as usual, a little more complex than this. My take, some illustrative examples of the concept, and suggestions for how performance, physiology & biology can work together to tell the story