Breakaway vs Bunch Efforts

The Breakaway

Lets take a look at a small 2-4 man breakaway in a pro race on a lumpy (but not mountainous) stage of a race such as the Tour de France, Vuelta or Giro. The breakaway riders’ efforts, would likely be at an average power that is around their LT1 (Lactate Turn-point 1).  

LT1 is where lactate begins to rise above baseline numbers. This is also referred to as aerobic threshold, 2mmol level or L2 for Fitlab training zones. An average pro rider’s LT1 is typically around the 4-4.5w/kg. 

The hills would be kept fairy even, likely around LT2 (Lactate Turn-point 2 – see below) or a bit higher for the shorter hills and a bit lower for longer ones. If a rider was to go solo in the final 30km or so, they would likely be close to LT2. Again, a shorter effort may be a little higher and a longer one a little lower.

The Peloton

In contrast a rider sitting well protected in the pack would have a much bigger power range For example, there would be long periods of very light 2-3w/kg interspersed with very intense blocks. The length of these blocks would be dictated by the course, conditions, a rider’s role in the team and how the bunch tackle them. In a typical day there would be plenty of short bursts of power (likely well over a hundred in number) of 5+seconds at over 10w/kg. The climbs, cross wind sections and finishing km’s will also send the riders well up into VO2max and anaerobic levels (likely around 6w/kg and higher).

So whether a rider makes the break or stays in the pack will mean a very different day in terms of effort and fatigue. Not just overall load, but the types of effort will effect each rider differently. Some riders are better suited to the breakaway and others to bunch type efforts. You probably know what suits you better, so maybe you could try a different tactic in your next bunch race!