Kcal when cycling

General Discussion
1

I have read that the kcals used when riding has to do with the watage and the time. However isnt this also affected by heart rate? For example, if I ride at 200 wats for 1 hour in a sauna suit in a warm room, wont I burn more kcal as compared to riding the same time and wats when using several fans and an AC (since the body has to use energy to cool me down in the sauna suit)? Isnt it so that the 360 kcal for 100 wats for 1 hour is the minimum, and that this can be increased by riding in less than perfect conditions?

Another thing, is it really possible that a person with an FTP of 200 will burn the same amount of kcal when riding at 200 wats for 1 hour as a pro cyclist burns riding at 200 wats for 1 hour? I have read that it is so but I find it hard to imagine.

2

Hi @Christoffer_Collin! Thanks for bringing this query to our attention! Jose here from Zwift.

I understand how important it is to know more about the kcals when riding, calorie burn is mainly based on wattage and time, but heart rate and conditions matter too. Riding in a hot room with a sauna suit forces the body to cool itself, increasing energy use.

Using fans and AC reduces thermal stress, meaning fewer extra calories burned.
360 kcal at 100W per hour is a baseline challenging conditions can push this higher.

A pro cyclist and an amateur might burn similar calories at the same watts, but pros are more efficient, potentially burning slightly less.

3

Ok as I thought then. Thank you for confirming.

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