01 · On Pogačar's threshold
2:03min
That's how long you'd hold 388 W, where his threshold zone starts. He trains there for an hour.
t = W′ / (P − FTP), W′ = 17 kJ, a trained amateur's reserve above threshold.
Not sure of your FTP? Measure itThe physics of pro cycling · calculator
Race yourself against the pros.
Put in your FTP and weight. We run the same physics as our reels and show where you'd be on Pogačar's wheel, on Alpe d'Huez, in a headwind and in the bunch.
Units
3.3 W/kg. Pogačar: about 6.5 W/kg. No power meter? Around 3 W/kg is a fair guess for a regular club rider.
02 · Alpe d'Huez
1:07:38
When Pogačar crossed the line in 35:27, you'd be at 7.2 km, 6.6 km from the top.
248 W (3.3 W/kg), VAM 992 m/h. 13.8 km at 8.1%.
Free Speed ranks the cheapest seconds on a climb03 · The wheel in front
−33W
Glued to a wheel at 32.9 km/h, you ride for 33 W less. Or 2.8 km/h faster on the same effort.
The rider on your wheel gives you 2 W back. Your endurance pace: 175 W, 70% of FTP.
Position beats parts. See the ranking04 · Headwind out, tailwind home
+7:51
A 40 km out-and-back in a 20 km/h wind. You fight it for 55 min and enjoy it for 26 min. The tailwind never pays you back.
21.8 km/h out, 46.3 km/h home, 1:13:03 with no wind.
How much aero buys back in wind05 · Where your watts go
At 32.9 km/h on the flat, 80% of your 175 W push air.
- Air 80%
- Tyres 17%
- Drivetrain and bearings 3%
New calculators
One email when we add a new one. Next up: crosswinds and echelons.
Guide · US$24
Free Speed: the cheapest seconds in cycling, ranked.
- 01Tyres, position, helmets, skinsuits, wheels, weight: every upgrade ranked by seconds per euro.
- 02A 40 km flat and a 10 km climb, worked out with the same model as this calculator, plus a table for your FTP.
- 03Every number from a published study or an independent test. Brand-only claims are marked unproven.
Gear that changes your numbers
Measure first. Then train.
POWER METER
You can't race yourself without numbers.
Every result on this page starts with your FTP. Pedals are the easiest way to measure it on any bike.
e.g. Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO pedals
SMART TRAINER
Winter is when FTP is built.
A smart trainer holds you to the watt, so a 20-minute test and every interval are repeatable.
e.g. Wahoo KICKR CORE
INDOOR BIKE
Ride Alpe du Zwift against your own time.
A complete indoor setup with the trainer, bike and virtual climbs in one box.
e.g. Zwift Ride
Training plans · coming
A winter plan built on your FTP.
Your FTP, your hours, your goal. Delivered as workout files for Zwift, Wahoo and Garmin, so the trainer does the counting.
Waitlist