Originally Posted by burnthesheep

QFT. Or the local semi-pro triathlete or TT specialist with a tailwind.

I think Strava has the computing power to determine KOMs by "group" versus "solo". It can see the date/time of the effort. I think it would resolve a lot of consternation by doing that. Usually a paceline KOM anyway is going to be a 3-way tie.

I have seen TT/individual segments done in a way that it's a standing start due to how the segment begins. Or dead-end the segment. Meaning you couldn't have a 20 person rolling chaingang come through and get it.

My favorite move is to choose hill-climb segments that start at the bottom of a cul-de-sac with zero "runup". All solo grunt work.

Also, KOMs are fun for me, but ultimately I still care more about my w/kg and my TT personal bests. Those are a LOT harder to cheat or to coax than a Strava KOM.

Anyone can paceline 10 miles at 25mph and take a single 30 second turn. Not everyone can TT a lumpy 10 mile route at 25mph by themselves. Especially a "certified" style out-back or looped route.