“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.
2015 Tour de France
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
Semi-transparency, smoke, mirrors and an illustrative case
As rest day #2 of the Tour arrives, more and more talk of transparency, with a vague commitment of average cadence from a stage from Sky. I say keep it, and share more thoughts on transparency, including the case of Pinot to illustrate the value
Neanderthals, aliens, performance data & context
A neanderthal took to urine throwing in the Tour. Patriotism sure does inspire stupid actions sometimes. The preoccupation with the performance and physiological data inspires similar passions. But what would an alien visitor make of it, if the context was added to the debate?
Close your eyes really tightly
I gave an interview to Off the Ball radio today. Here’s that interview, plus some extra thoughts on context.