Promoted to A despite average B 1 and 5min power

Racing
1

So a few weeks ago I got promoted to A because I exceeded 4 w/kg for a couple of 40 minute races.

Problem is that my 1 and 5 minute power is typical for a B rider. I mean, compared to a typical A rider I’m around 1w/kg off for 5 min power and 2w/kg off for 1 minute power. I also have no sprint. I mean, 700 watts is my max at the end of a race. (I have a weird power profile)

So I always got high average w/kg in B races, but usually finished at the back of the front group because I have no sprint. Generally, my aim was to make the race hard, force a selection at the front and chase attacks down.

Now I am in A and I have only been able to finish 3 races in the main group.

Racing has gone from ‘fun and challenging’ to ‘unpleasant’.

Considering some of us have high FTP but comparitively lower ‘explosive’ power and V02 max, should Zwift not be looking beyond 40 minute averages before promoting strong B riders?

Perhaps looking at 40m / 5m / 1m /15s power averages and needing a rider to hit A category level on 2/4 instead of 1/4 might be an idea?

I mean, my V02 max is 58, I’m 45 and I’m going up against black A riders who ride at elite level. It’s hard.

2

Does the new experimental Racing Score pen allocation put you in a lower pen?

Your seeding score is based on your 30sec and 10min power, apparently with weight taken account to some degree (at the mo I think it’s favouring low weight with realtively high W/Kg and giving them a relatively low score compared to heavier racers with relatively high pure Watts).

If ZwiftPower - Login is you, that provision score of 525 should keep you out of the top pen in test events, I think.

3

Yeah, I can choose from 3 categories when a race is organized by racing score. My racing score is 525.

4

in the 10 pen score your in the end high of Low. @James_Cavell_Amsterd

5

It appears odd that I’m in A category on the ‘old’ system, but the ‘high end of low’ in the Pen system.

It feels a but like one system saying I’m ‘NFL’ and another saying ‘top high school player’.

1 Like
6

The scoring system considers both 30 second power and 10 minute power (or maybe they just changed it to 5 minutes… some confusion about that recently). In any case the reason you don’t have a high score is because you haven’t posted good 30 second numbers. This is normal for the diesel riders. I highly recommend trying the test races if you can find one that suits your schedule. Your job will be to make the sprinters work super hard so they are all dead by the finish. :muscle:

This week’s test races are mostly on a very flat route so it’s not ideal for you but next time you find one with a bit of a climb you will find it very much to your advantage.

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7

Are these numbers harvested from racing only? Or from all riding?

I only do Z2 rides or races in Zwift, and in races I try to avoid having to go ballistic for 30 seconds, as it isn’t my thing.

8

Just like with category enforcement, the numbers are from all activities.

If you get to the finish with the leaders I recommend going ballistic for 30 seconds, but given your apparent strength you will have an opportunity to punish similarly-scored sprinters in racing score events if there is a bit of a climb. They are ranked where they are because of their good sprint and poor sustained power, but you are scored like them because of your poor sprint and good sustained power. Of course if you do a good sprint some day you will likely increase your score and race against better competition.

1 Like
9

Thanks!

I think I might start to do some more structured interval training to improve my shorter duration power and race less often.

I could race B races every day and not feel I was going too deep.

A is very different.

Outside of racing, where I am trying to save power, I think I can hit higher numbers and also improve them via training.

2 Likes
10

‘I could race B races every day and not feel I was going too deep.’

If that is the case you just might be on point in A cat.

4 Likes
11

Just did somw 30s intervals.

My score is up by 100 and I can now only race in the first two pens.

1 Like
12

That’s the most effective way to increase your seeding score

1 Like
13

While on a Z2 ride, look for a shortish <1km segment and go for a green jersey. Call it an interval if you like… good for training.

Also try a Tiny Race… that will likely get you a 10 minute power best effort.

14

The best one for 30s is the Fuego Flats segement. 500m so takes between 30-40 seconds flat out sprint.