el_angliru wrote:What's the best way to do an hour race? I know there isn't any definite answer to this, as it probably varies from rider to rider. But what's the best approach in theory?
Given the objective was to beat the current record, then this strategy was perfect.
Get deep enough into the event at or slightly above the target so that you can then use what you have left in the tank in the final quarter to beat the record. If you are unable to do so in that final quarter, then you sure were not going to do so by starting harder.
Minimise variations in lap pace (accelerations are physiologically costly), and ride a very good line.
That's a subtly different strategy to what's needed to ride the maximal distance you can on the day. These objectives are not the same. They can coincide, but not necessarily.
e.g. Rominger in his first hour ride and Voigt used this strategy.