Zwift Chat

[JuhaL]

We should not forget Tom Boonen who use to was good sprinter and what kind of spring classic rider he was later.

 

[CXRAndy]

I think that’s also because it comes down to more than weight alone.

There will be a big element, that the sprinters know they can't compete, so switch off the effort. Save themselves for when they can win

 

[Aleman]

Sprinters develop fast twitch muscle fibres, whereas climbers develop slow twitch fibres.

Fast twitch muscle blocks have large reserves of myoglobin, so don't require rapid oxygen delivery. Slow twitch muscle blocks don't have that myoglobin reserve, so requires a "better" Aerobic and vascular system.

Kilo for kilo however, slow twitch fibres are stronger than fast twitch, which is why climbers have a smaller frame with "less" muscle mass than sprinters.

Of course there is a lot more to it than just that

 

[JuhaL]

Of course there is a lot more to it than just that

Especially good genes.

 

[bobinski]

beware of the injured cyclist ask Bob

I could have died I tell ya!

 

[Whorty]

Reminds me of a couple of things.

Firstly, a quote saying that people say Cavendish is a crap climber. The answer was no, he's not. He's actually a better climber than 99% of guys on a bike. Unfortunately for him, all of the other 1% are in the pro peloton.

Secondly, I saw him going over the top of the Col de Soulor in the Tour. He was right at the back of the grupetto, out of the saddle and still climbing at a pace that I could only dream of!

As someone once said .... I wish I was as rubbish as Cav at climbing!

 

[Whorty]

Here's a question .... if you had the choice, what would be your preferred riding expertise?

Climber ala Froome, Nibali etc
Sprinter ala Cav, Gaviria etc
Classics/roleur ala Gilbert, De Gent, Sagan etc

 

[Aleman]

For me, climber like Froome, not an out and out one though

 

[Del C]

Here's a question .... if you had the choice, what would be your preferred riding expertise?

Climber ala Froome, Nibali etc
Sprinter ala Cav, Gaviria etc
Classics/roleur ala Gilbert, De Gent, Sagan etc

Climber

 

[JuhaL]

For me classic/roleur. I would like to have that stamina.

 

[Whorty]

Climber

Interesting, you and @Aleman go climber. I'd def want to be a Classics/roleur like @JuhaL

 

[CXRAndy]

I do like watching the classics, power riders literally riding the lighter riders off their wheel.

It was a few years, when, if I remember right. Gilbert, went on a lone breakaway. Nibali jumped on his wheel. After only a few minutes Nibali backed off, dropped into the pack. Gilbert went on to win the race

 

[JuhaL]

Interesting, you and @Aleman go climber. I'd def want to be a Classics/roleur like @JuhaL

I think i can use endurance ability better than been a good climber, that's my explanation for my selection. Grand tours where are mountain stages climbers are favorite number 1 but that was just a grand tours, there is lot much more than just a mountains and going up. I like the idea to ride a long rides and recover well so i can go my next long ride next day and enjoy of cycling that way.

 

[Whorty]

I do like watching the classics, power riders literally riding the lighter riders off their wheel.

It was a few years, when, if I remember right. Gilbert, went on a lone breakaway. Nibali jumped on his wheel. After only a few minutes Nibali backed off, dropped into the pack. Gilbert went on to win the race

Yes, I love that style of riding. Same for breakaways in the grand tours - the guys may not win the day, but they bloody-well give it a good go

 

[CXRAndy]

Yes, I love that style of riding. Same for breakaways in the grand tours - the guys may not win the day, but they bloody-well give it a good go

Last year's Giro had some nailbiting breakaway wins.

The other one which comes to mind is Van der Poel's win in Amstel Gold last year-worthy watch