More CdA testing

Since getting my new NRT track bike, I've had several sessions at DGV doing mostly Flying 500's and Standing Start 250's. Times are starting to come down a little. Still not "comfortable" enough at this low 37sec to mid 36sec time for the 500's, but this is what I've found in the past. I struggle to hold target times in training, yet I'm able to ride as fast or faster on race day while feeling much easier...well, as "easy" as it gets in a Pursuit.

I reckon a big part of this is the crappy wheels and tyres I use in training. The front wheel is a 20year old Shimano with !#$%'d bearings....really lumpy. And I'm running some real slow feeling Kenda HP tyres. So I figure once I hit all my times regularly on this equipment, I'll get a real boost in speed with race wheels.

Last week I ran another CdA test comparing a slightly modified position on the new bike to my "new" position developed after Nationals (see previous post). Came out almost identical which sorta disappointed me a little as I was hoping the new frame might prove to be a bit more slippery.

However, I also did a back to back test using standard helmet and position, compared to using my Giro Advantage aero helmet and shoe covers. As usual, Alex Simmons did the analysis and showed a measureable reduction in CdA of ~ 1.7%.

I wasn't sure if there would be a measurable difference, but was pleased that the test protocol holds up so well.

Had another Team Time Trial workout on the road with my team mates last Saturday. We're getting to know each others strengths and limiters and we're getting things to work quite well.
The Championships are next Sunday on the Calga course. We're going to be right up against it as a couple of teams have some extraordinary Time Trialists in their squads, but we'll give it all we've got.

Have picked up a bit of a head cold in the last few days, but so far it hasn't hindered my training.
I'm back at work as a Fire Fighter now after finishing my annual leave and was able to slip in a trainer workout today during a quieter period.

It was an Anaerobic Work Capacity session today. Chose a work load perhaps a little higher than necessary (370-389watts......145% FTP) for 5 x 90sec with longish recoveries (3m 30s), but I wanted to see how I handled that wattage, seeing as I'm going to need to sustain something similar for the ~ 2m 30sec I'm planning to ride for the 2000m Pursuit.

Planning to compete at my first Friday night RAW (Race All Winter) track meet this week. Usually we get 5 races for the night in all sorts of formats. The guy who started this series, Paul Craft, does a terrific job of providing an interesting, enjoyable night of racing. Looking forward to getting some track "feel" back into my legs.

Mike