Pedalling into the wind.

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
21,160
Something I've noticed from my time cycling sportives and training is that I'm rubbish when pedalling into the wind, compared to other riders.

  • I cannot hold my normal power when I'm into a headwind. It's generally some 30-40 watts less than normal. My heart rate will be low but my legs just don't want to turn at the usual power. BUT, when the wind is behind me I can hold a higher power than normal. :confused:
  • I always get passed by people who are less fit than me when I'm facing a headwind.
    i.e. people that struggle up hills which I can ride up easily, or people I pass without a headwind, can sail past me into a headwind no problem.

I'm thinking it must be down to the fact that my motivation drops when I feel I'm making less progress than I should be.

Has anyone else noticed this from their riding?
 
The obvious answer is not to look at the speedo.
I don't have speed set on any of my screens - 3 second average power, heart rate, cadence and 30 sec average power is all I look at.

On a flat road ....
- .. with low wind in any direction I can hold 230w no problem
- .. with a back wind I can hold 280w
- .. with a head wind I'm struggling at 180w
 
The problem with all of these suggestions is I should be able to produce the same power, if I'm in an aero position or I have sail attached to me. Power shouldn't change, speed does, but I'm not concerned with that.
 
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