Originally Posted by
globecanvas
All depends on context and expectations, I suppose. There's a big difference between being with the front group and being 45 seconds back. It's better to have the 45 seconds in reserve than not to, of course, but it's not realistic to think that a little strategery is going to prevent you from getting dropped on a real climb if you don't have the w/kg.
I guess you can continue trying to argue it if you think it actually makes a difference.
Regardless, the point of what I've written is this: being aware of positioning and learning how to navigate the pack to get into the position you want to be in with as little energy expended as possible is what good bike racers do.
It's something to think about, it's something to work on. There are tangible gains to be made.
That's all.