Watts/kg and "Opposing Forces"
I read an article that says the following:
"Power to weight ratio is important because it requires more power for a heavier rider to travel the same velocity than for a lighter rider. However, it is important to remember that gravitational resistance is just one of many opposing forces while riding and only a small percentage of the opposing force on a flat road."*
With the last sentence in mind I wondered: If I, a 69kg rider, maintain 1100 watts in a 20-second sprint (15.9 watts/kg) alongside an 88kg rider maintaining 1400 watts (also 15.9 watts/kg), who goes faster? To reduce the number of opposing forces we'll call this a drag race on a flat road with no wind and no wheelsucking/drafting. Two riders with different mass but generating identical power to weight ratios sprinting alongside one another. Who goes faster?
*(C) Colin Sandberg