Wattage Meaning in Cycling

Wattage is a direct measurement of the power a cyclist produces while pedaling the bicycle. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to the pedals by the speed at which the legs are turning. Unlike heart rate, wattage is an instantaneous and objective number that does not change based on heat or stress. Riders use power meters to track their wattage in real-time to pace themselves perfectly during a race or workout. For example, a professional might maintain three hundred watts for an hour to win a long individual time trial. I believe that training with wattage is the fastest way for any beginner to see real improvements in their fitness. It allows you to see exactly how much work you are doing regardless of the wind or the hills. By tracking your peak wattage, you can learn if you are getting stronger or if you need more rest. It has completely transformed the way people train and race at every level of the sport.