Phil Liggett takes on the Wattbike Peak Power Challenge
Posted by Chris Rowe on May 27, 2010
Legendary cycling journo Phil Liggett took on the Cycling TV peak power test a couple of weeks ago with some impressive results. He is now training on the Wattbike so we are looking forward to seeing his Sportif results later in the year.
Peak Power Test - Background Information
The Peak Power Test measures short term anaerobic capacity (STAC) and is defined on a Wattbike as the highest peak power in Watts achieved during a maximal 6 second burst. It is usually achieved in the first 3 revolutions (but not always).
STAC is an important component for sprint cyclists, in particular during a flying 200 m when short sprints of 10-15 seconds are required, at the start of a 1000 m time trial, individual and team pursuit and the sprint finish at the end of a road race.
A peak power score needs to be seen in the context of the type of cyclist, an apparent ‘low’ score may be good for an endurance cyclist but ‘poor’ for a sprinter.
Top male sprinters, on a Wattbike can maintain cadences in excess of 150 on resistance level 10 for 200 m - under 10 seconds for the 200 m with average watts close to 1600.
A quick experimentation with the resistance setting and cadence level will indicate the optimum combination.
