The Sprinter

Sprinting in essence is an "all out" effort. Sprints typically last about 20-30 seconds before the maximum sustainable power starts to drop off relative to the time.  The best sprinters have a higher ratio of fast twitch fibers compared to their peers in road cycling.  Most sprinters can be identified by having a larger build than the other riders; such as the all rounder, or the climber who are generally lighter and have a higher ratio of slow twitch muscles to fast twitch muscles.

 A team can use their sprinter using a variety of tactics to win a stage or event.  A good sprinter and team positions themselves to execute at the proper time based on the conditions of the course and their ability to prepare the sprinter for the desired sprint based on the teams strategy.

Timing is critical for the sprinter, move to early and you create a draft for the next sprinter, move to late and miss the jump, and potentially the stage or race.  Sprinters can also collect points along a course (called primes) that can contribute to a teams standing.

The takeaways:

~ Using a power meter an sprinter will have a high power to weight ratio at the 20-30 second window.

~ In most situations, sprinters need to let the other teammates do most, if not all of the work to get into the best position to utilize the sprinters strengths.

~ Timing the release of the sprinter based on the course and competition is the key to winning the stage or race.

 

Coach Mike Matney is a local coach of triathletes and cyclists. He has qualified athletes for the Hawaii Ironman World Championships, Half Ironman World Championships, XTERRA National Championships, National Age Group Olympic Championships as well as coaching many age group athletes to achieve podium spots as age group athletes and successful completion of their ultra endurance events.

Coach Mike Matney competes in triathlons of all distances up to Ironman, XTERRA, mountain bike racing, and is an alternate rider for Team4Mil, an 8 man team competing in the Race Across America (RAAM)

He has over 20 years experience in the US Army, is married to his wonderful wife Christine and enjoys spending his off time with his three daughters. Mike may reached via e-mail.