Does Race Winner's IF (Intensity Factor) = My Pacing Strategy (MTB 100)

[Stringwise]

@MI-XC

In the Midwest it is next to impossible. You’d have to run a 28x50 and even then you’d be over threshold at times. The idea is to minimize this as much as a possible and to ensure you don’t start off too fast. I use my PM as a governor early on and as a quick reference check when I feel my legs a little too much. However, when the trail is punchy and/or technical climbs sometimes there is no choice but to put out 400+ watts in Eagle gear.

Agreed, it really depends on the course. There are times however when your race brain says smash up that 2-3 minute climb to get it over with but you have to tell yourself to slow down and regulate your effort. If there is a short steep section, it is what it is, but even there maybe you go 100 watts over FTP but regulate yourself to not go over anymore than necessary.