Power to weight ratio matters because it helps predict performance. The power to weight ratio measures how much power in watts a cyclist can produce at a certain weight which is measured in kilograms 1athletes have access to these power numbers by using a power meter which is mounted on the bike and transmits power numbers to a cyclists handlebar mounted computer. Racing cyclists often want to know what their optimal weight range is for their height. Adult male and female height to weight ratio chart. Then add 4 6 pounds per inch of height above this base women and 5 7 pounds per inch men. Power to weight ratio.
Now this can be used as a baseline calculation but there is a lot of variability. Power to weight ratio matters because its a great predictor of performance. On a flat track cyclist 1 should be faster than cyclist 2. How to get lean for peak performance available on amazon. The below are taken from height and weight data of professional cyclists with national or international wins. 2020 03 05 synopsis and key points.
Excess body weight is the cyclists enemy says matt fitzgerald author of racing weight. Per inch of height world champion cyclists 2001 2012 mean average and standard deviation as you can see to compete on the worlds highest level you need to be light in weight specifically approximately 185 187 lbs per inch for women and 215 219 lbs per inch for men. Power to weight ratio is the maximum power output that can be produced in relation to body weight. Cyclist a can sustain a maximum power output of 250w while cyclist b can only manage 225w. Rule of thumb equation for appropriate weight is to take 100 pounds for the first 5 feet of height for women and 106 pounds for men. Keep in mind that these are goal weight ranges for elite cyclists.
It wastes energy slows you down. Bmiwhich is calculated by dividing a persons weight in kilograms by the persons height in meters squaredcan be especially difficult to apply properly to active people like cyclists. A recent study of professional cyclists by pro cycling stats revealed that the average height of the riders was 180m and the average weight was 688kg. Body weight in lbs. Optimum average weight to height ratio chart calculates how much an adult female or male should weigh depending on their height. Cyclist 1 can sustain a power output of 300w while cyclist 2 can only manage 250w.