hiker88

On the Vs coverage of tdf, they occasionally flash a graphic showing which team (or the rider in a break) is "doing the most work".

Does anyone know if they actually have access to the riders power tap info, or are they just making some kind of estimate based on the amount of time they are spending in front?

thanks

rogwilco

Probably just someone taking notes with a stopwatch I'd guess.

C_Heath

yep, option 2.

Hezz

In years past they often have the power numbers for a couple of riders. Perhaps they now have enough members of each team to average power outputs for the whole team. But generally when they say this they are talking about the riders in front breaking the wind for the rest of the riders. Any person out in front is "doing the work" because it takes roughly 20-30% more energy output to be in front breaking wind for the other riders.

I don't know how they can get accurate estimates from using a stop watch since the following riders go just as fast with less energy output.