Starting from Zero

I started training for my 2014-15 racing season this week. Unfortunately, I have not been able to train properly for the last 3-4 months due to a combination of work (launched a peer-to-peer lending platform - Harmoney.com - in August), man-flu, bad weather in September, and minor surgery in October. 

I was back into training last weekend once the doctor gave me the green light. But I really was starting from zero (power curve in black).

2013-2014 Performance Review

A quick look-back at my power data and peak performance over the 2013-2014 season:

The following is my power curve since early September. As we all know I cannot sprint; my peak is just over 1,000 watts. Power drops off sharply but flattens considerably after 2 minutes. The data demonstrates that over longer duration efforts (3+ minutes), I have good strength and endurance.

Foto del Dia: Nairo Quintana en la Maglia Rosa

Foto del Dia: Rigoberto Uran primer Colombiano con la Maglia Rosa

2013-2014 Season Review

Its now early May and my 2013-2014 season has drawn to a close. Although I had a great summer of riding, I wasn't able to race as much as I wanted to.

My racing season was split into two time periods: 3 races in November of 2013, and then a series of club races and the Auckland champs in March and April of 2014.

The first two races in November didn't quite go as planned. K1's start split the group as we merged with another field who started earlier than us. And the following week, I got severe cramps early in Bike the Bridge. The month ended with a strong result (12th overall) at the Northland Club Champs. 

Race Report: Auckland Club Champs

I finished 3rd in my age group at today's Auckland Club Champs. The field was small but select. The course was tough with power climbs and several long and sharp step-climbs. 

Training Camp: Italy 2010

A few old photos from training camp at Hotel Dory in Riccione, Italy. October 2010.

Strava Classics

Gifts from Colombia!

Direct from Medellin and just for a cyclist: bocadillo, panelita, and rum. 

What Two Weeks of Rest Will Do

My chronic training load (blue line) decreased from 113 to 81 (it started at 0 in early September). My training stress balance (green line) moved from -42 to +60. 

Mid-season Performance Review

Camila and I are in Bali, Indonesia for 10 days over the New Years break. I thought I would look at my performance improvement so far this season.

I bought my power meter in early September so I now have almost 4 months of training data, including 3 races in November. You can see in the chart above that my max output was 1,011 watts. The wattage drops off quickly until approximately 3 minutes but declines at a very slow rate thereafter.