[hlnx1]

On a climb lasting 20 minutes or more, pacing decides much of the outcome. A power meter makes it easier, because heart rate lags and speed depends on gradient.

• For a single long climb, holding something close to threshold power is often a realistic ceiling for trained riders
• On a long ride or in a race with several climbs, aiming lower, for example tempo or sweet spot, protects later efforts
• Small surges on steeper sections are fine, but large spikes cost a lot of energy for little time gain
• Fuel before the climb; eating on steep sections is harder

Related: lactate threshold pacing in stage races.

How do you decide on a target power for a long climb?

[hlnx1]

Example: a rider with an FTP of 260 W facing a 40-minute climb in a sportive with more climbs to come might target around 220-235 W, roughly 85-90% of FTP. On the last climb of the day, they can push closer to threshold if they feel good.

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