Thursday, October 13, 2016

Managing Variability for a Faster Bike Split

By PCG Elite/Master Coach Karen Mackin

Choosing the correct overall intensity for the bike split of your race is probably the most important thing you can do to have a successful triathlon. If you have a power meter, choosing the correct intensity is as easy as looking up a number in a table (see table 1) and either displaying Intensity Factor (IF) or Normalized Power (NP) on your bike computer during the race. Since IF = NP divided by Functional Threshold Power (FTP), you can calculate a target NP by simply multiplying your target IF by FTP. Once you’ve decided on your target intensity, wouldn’t you like to ride as fast as you can at that intensity? If so, read on:



Riding the fastest split possible for a given intensity factor is all about managing variations on that intensity. Some small variations in intensity during the bike split may be necessary (i.e. to take advantage of terrain and or wind conditions), however, these changes should be relatively small. Your power meter is the ultimate tool to learn how to manage these variations. In this article I will first provide you with a little background, and illustrate why lower variability allows you to go faster, then I will provide you practical advice on determining how well you are managing variations, and finally, give some examples of how to keep these variations to a minimum.

We all know that Normalized Power represents an estimate of the power you would have maintained “if” your ride had been perfectly constant. However, it is important to know that AVERAGE power, not normalized power, determines how fast you cover the course. Variability Index (VI) is a measure of how variable the ride is, and is computed as the ratio of your normalized power over average power (VI=NP/AP).  Consider the scenario of an ironman triathlete with a Functional Threshold Power of 280 watts, who wants to have a good run split.   He chooses an overall Intensity Factor (IF) of .70 to target.  Since IF = NP/FTP, that means he would target 196 watts as his normalized power. Now, let’s compare what happens when he is able to manage variations during his ride with a VI of 1.05, as opposed to if he rides with a higher VI of 1.15.
Case 1
A Lower VI of 1.05

Since VI = NP/AP, then AP = NP/VI
AP = 196/1.05 = 187
Case 2
A higher VI of 1.15

AP = NP/VI
AP = 196/1.15 = 170

You can see that the average power is higher when the variability is lower. Essentially, this means he is able to go faster given the same target normalized power, or intensity factor, than he would have if he rode with a lot of variability. As I stated earlier, a certain amount of variability may be necessary to take advantage of terrain. This is due to the fact that it is not optimal to put out exactly the same power going up a hill as it is going down because the additional wind resistance on the downhill will only give you marginal increase in speed compared to going uphill. So, your VI should reflect the terrain of the course. For flat courses, target VI’s should be between 1.00 and 1.03. For courses with hills, good VI goals would be between 1.04 and 1.07.

So, how well do you manage your variability? In TrainingPeaks you can look at your variability index after you download your workout. I recommend that all of my athletes do a test ride on a course that is similar to their event (or ideally on the course) and see how they fare. Now that most bike computers/watches will enable you to display both your average power and your normalized power you can see how you are doing during your ride. If your goal is to keep your VI to 1.05 or less, then you just need to make sure that your AP and NP are within 5% of each other and it is a simple matter to compute what that wattage difference is.

Two common reasons for excessive variability are 1) non-optimal gearing for hilly courses, and 2) power spikes. In order to minimize your variability, it is very important that you are not forced into riding at too high a wattage on a hill because your cadence otherwise would become too low. Ideally, even on the steepest of climbs, you should be able to maintain at least 70 rpm while climbing. If you are unable to do this, you’d best head out to your local bike shop and get a new gear setup. AND, once you have those gears, don’t be afraid to use them! The second reason, power spikes, occur with excessive surging coming out of corners, or at the bottom and top of hills where the gradient changes, trying to pass someone, or getting out of the saddle to power over a short climb. These variations should be minimized! Focus on every one of those little things that can cause micro bursts in your power, become very aware when you do them, review your power files after your rides and make a concerted effort to avoid those spikes.


With a little awareness and practice, you will be able to get to the target VI that is appropriate for your race. And when you do, you will maximize your speed for your chosen goal intensity.