http://alex-cycle.blogspot.com.au/2013/ ... tnnw5NQssq
and from the forum
In the blog, Alex states that "One thing efficiency is not: it isn't how you pedal, nor the way in which you apply forces to the cranks."Alex Simmons/RST wrote:There will be a limitation on what's physiologically possible/plausible based on your VO2max, and the ceiling is then a function of your fractional utilisation of VO2max at threshold and your gross efficiency. Physiologically there are a multitude of central and peripheral adaptations required and these changes occurs over days, weeks, months and years. The greatest gains, if consistent and smart with training, come in the first years. They can continue for many years after that but the gains are smaller and harder won, but are often the difference between the best and the also rans.
Of course there are other factors involved with success and that depends on what sort of events you are targeting - skills, tactics, strategy, execution, psychology, experience and so on all contribute to performance beyond power output alone.
My question, is why is this 'how efficient you are mechanically on the bike' is not captured in the formula [FTP = Energy per litre O2 (J) x VO2max (ml/kg/min) x Fractional VO2max at threshold (%) x GME (%) / 60 (seconds/minute) / 1000 (ml/litre)] (or seemingly irrelevant)?