EJ is FAKING his Power Data?!?

[@peterers3]

I hope EJ never crashes and never breaks a bone. He defiantely has huge potential to be a really good crit racer but learning skills takes time.

[@billkallas1762]

That's just part of racing. Crashing can be a learned skill, also.

[@elijahauer]

He is so defiant!

[@diegoeleazar9154]

I hope not. The trauma and regret haunts you.

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

We all hope for that, we just don't say we hope for that. Some things better left not said.

[@the318pop]

I'm genuinely curious how so many people type the word defiant but read it as definite.

[@ShawnIsBatman]

The person with the fastest car does not always win the race, you have to be able to drive the car as well.... Huge props to EJ for the progress and the work he has put in so far and huge props to you for guiding him and creating a program in which he (and hopefully others) can succeed.

[@asiantrick24]

If I remember correctly, there was a woman who won the Zwift competition and made it to the PRO team. She made insane amount of power, but she was struggling to keep up on most training rides mainly due to her inability to descend as well as riding in the pack.

[@davidwebster2616]

let's just celebrate EJ, how about that? Jeff spends a lot of time mentoring and explaining EJs inefficiencies. His in-race mistakes are understandable considering how long he's been racing (not that long). This is great content and we should be praising, not criticizing. Cheers

[@MichaelIhde69]

I've never LOL'd so hard at a notification 😂 to think EJ would lie to us is ridiculous

[@raymondrichardson538]

Yup, EJ comes across as just the sort of ego-driven, cocky dude who would spoof his power data just to impress us...NOT!

[@MichaelIhde69]

@@raymondrichardson538 his strength is a combo of hard work, good friends, a positive outlook, and good genetics

[@elusiveviper]

Well hindsight is 20/20....

[@adamolig3865]

Many people said it was ridiculous that Lance Armstrong could be cheating by doping. "He's a cancer survivor, his natural VO2Max explains it, its genetic, you're just a hater." Turns out the doubters were correct on that one. So it's not ever ridiculous to question. But Jeff is giving good evidence here to prove its not a power meter reading that is faulty/uncalibrated, so I'm satisfied with the response. And no, angry trolls, I'm not saying EJ is doping either. Just a sort of similar example for why it's ok to question, before you jump all over my comment. (Who am I kidding, this is the internet, someone is going to do that anyway)

[@MichaelIhde69]

@@adamolig3865 almost every pro would Toru cyclist dopes in one way or another. Lance just got caught

[@daness40]

Haters gonna hate. This is the world we live in; people can't handle someone else having success when they aren't getting the same results. Just be happy for EJ. It's awesome.

[@adonis993]

Yep....they should be training instead of hating.

[@cccycling5835]

people questioning strava KOMs are in the same catagory. like bro, just let it go.

[@PurpleHays69]

Fact is...EJ lost quite a bit of weight. I've ridden with a few guys over the years, who dropped quite a lot of weight and were just absolute beasts on the bike. Their bodies (legs, heart, lungs especially) were used to carrying around the extra weight and when that weight was gone, they were just so strong. Add in good quality training and there's the story!

[@PaulFoye]

Totally.. I dropped from 86kg to 65kg.. and although I’m not a sprinter, my climbing ability is huge. Power to weight speaks volumes

[@bobbrandt7723]

Such a great video. You really put into perspective power efficiency with your experiment by deleting your race power data then inputting your race data into Strava for their power computation. It really showed the magic of drafting. EJ's race IQ will improve and soon he will apply his power at the right time and dropping the field.

[@MiguelAugusto1982]

This comment should get more likes!

[@Type1on2wheels]

I’m a relatively untrained on a road bike and I haven’t touched a squat rack in over 10years since I stopped Bmx racing. I’m doing 30seconds power of 1000W and 3second power of 1580W. I’m aiming to hit 1800W with some proper training no gym. Bmx days were well over 2KW

[@YeeFeng]

The fact that people are questioning EJ’s power shows how insecure so many cyclists are. His race results show that not only is he strong enough to win, but he’s also starting to put things together with wonderful mentorship and training. EJ’s story has been awesome to follow as you truly found a diamond in the rough. Massive props to y’all for this awesome series!

[@aarondcmedia9585]

Disbelief or questioning does not require insecurity. Any critical thinking at all leads to questioning things. The people getting upset at the questioning are showing equal amounts of insecurity IMO.

[@XavierHipolito]

@@aarondcmedia9585 agree

[@henrydot6898]

The hard truth is that endurance sport is very dependend on genetics. A buddy of mine trained with structure for many years and never achived a 4.0 w/kg, while a friend who just started cycling already has higher numbers just from doing unstructured rides (alot of them though). Thats why everyone should do the sport for enjoyment and not for numbers

[@aarondcmedia9585]

@@henrydot6898 agreed, and only compare yourself to your past self, not someone else.

[@XavierHipolito]

@@henrydot6898 agree again

[@sunshinecycling]

Good points, Jeff. EJ also didn't have a team until recently. Having a team at Cat. 3 and above becomes crucial to utilize his strengths instead of trying to chase around the whole field by himself. He has a good teacher.

[@michaelhansen7516]

Word

[@rayF4rio]

I've never doubted EJ's numbers, he's a big natural athlete, with a lot of time in multiple sports since being a kid. Up until the age of 57, I could easily hit 1500+ watts (3 sec avg) in any sprint. What this shows, if there are in fact a lot of people questioning his numbers, is that there are a lot of riders who have minimal experience in any sport other than cycling and little experience in competitive cycling to boot. In fact this is evident in any group ride or race you go to. This is not to disparage these cyclists, just that they are not knowledgeable in the sport or experienced in sports in general. You can see this in KZbin comments and questions asked in forums like Trainerroad.

[@kptrzk9398]

The numbers aren't even that crazy honestly...

[@aarondcmedia9585]

@@kptrzk9398 "not that crazy" is an order of magnitude better than "pretty good".

[@andrewcharlton4053]

This. He was out of shape per his own admission but he has done other sports and was active as a kid. He's not new to sports, he's new to cycling, and it shows. He's fit, but doesn't know how to race. The whole point of the show

[@ryancraig999]

All about W/KG ! Bigger guys have bigger power numbers but more weight, smaller guys have smaller power numbers but less weight to drag around. Success really does come down to tactics, experience, and a little luck sometimes. Just another reason why cycling is the greatest sport in the world 🤙As a fellow Cat 3 I hope to square off with EJ in the future! Are you guys coming to Boise this year??

[@Mybrother53]

I married a pharmacist and she still won't give me the good drugs to get those power numbers. I feel I've been cheated...

[@marcthoftjensen287]

The other component to power is weight. How much weight do you have to accelerate. GCN made a very nice video about this comparing 2 riders, a small and a big rider. In a standing spring, the smaller rider did like 1000-1100 watt and the big rider did 1500 watt, but the smaller rider completely demolished the big rider. The difference was less signifikant in a rolling sprint, but again the same result. EJ is still a "bigger rider", if he can sustain same power numbers af 10 lbs lighter, he would be insane

[@CanonFirefly]

Weight means bugger all in a flat circuit race. It's all about the aero, the draughting and timing your attacks. A multi hour tour stage through the Alps, that's another story.

[@joshmaitie5954]

Man is a machine hes just built different Theres people like this in all area of sports

[@andrewrivera4029]

I love data evaluation videos that I would never have the patience to do. Well done.

[@jakethesnake9340]

Good for EJ! I was around the same ftp and starting training when the series began and was happy when I was keeping up or beating his results! Now he has gone wayyyyy past me as the combo of vacation and moving for me off the bike for a bit.

[@MichaelIhde69]

As a heavier cyclist myself (165lb or 75kg) I've been told I give off a great draft. I can outsprint most of my local riders, but the draft I give while doing it is my downfall.

[@geraldtone5914]

When you said heavier cyclist I thought you were gonna say 200 lbs

[@chuckyfox9284]

75kg... I weigh 95kg at 10% BF (so there is no belly just width). When I go for rides with my gf and she's in my draft she does 30% of the power I do. It's insane. I don't race, but I feel like that'd be a huge disadvantage.

[@stephennguyen5428]

​@@chuckyfox9284 bro I'm 78kg too, and my gf is all of 50kg and her ability to just draft off me and use like 20w when we're out on a ride is ridiculous. Then it's even more unfair when she takes a pull and her draft is like nothing 😂

[@sunshinecycling]

@@chuckyfox9284 Wow, I'd love to draft behind you on a sprint. :) 10% BF @ 95kg? Crazy.

[@chuckyfox9284]

@@stephennguyen5428 Exactly, you don't even feel a difference when they pull. At least I can always go as hard as I want to and know that I won't lose her.

[@opex8396]

EJ just strong

[@cokebottles6919]

I'm a heavier rider at 190lb (ish) and 6'1", I was able to get a 320w ftp on my first test, later able to get it up to 340-350 the second year. I still have very few KOM's and was regularly beat by riders that appear slower on paper. As cyclists, we tend to attach our ego to our power numbers. It's silly. Right now my FTP sits around 300w because I'm not specifically training for anything and I'm focused on work. It's hard to let the numbers go, but at the end of the day I just love getting out on my bike and that's what more people should focus on. If I can spend 2-3 hours on the bike and feel good by the end of it, I'm succeeding in my view.

[@joemewes1811]

Such a great video. And well explained. Unnecessary…. but done very well. Thanks for the videos.

[@kmac720]

EJ is basically the same size as me, (but with quite a bit more FTP.) When you posted my video, a ton of people said the same thing. I honestly always wondered if my first power meter was off, but the video you posted was my 2nd power meter, and it read the same as the first. Like you said tho, power isn't everything, and I have lost many a sprint where my power numbers were way better, but my timing, etc was off.

[@robertbarreiro2640]

Well, EJ is just a natural talented and with the right training and coaching he has reached so fast to where he is now. He's going to keep improving and I'm sure we're going to see him take some big wins in the future. Some things come fast and other take longer to develop. Could EJ become a pro in the future? Why not! 😀

[@AndrewTSq]

This guy outputs more power than tour de france sprinters if his numbers are true.

[@gustavorincon1640]

Ok, I get the point: cycling is not just about power (and weight for that matter) it's ability and racecraft and so on, but I've seen many using this as an excuse to not focus on power, and that's fine if you're not racing, but for those aiming to improve, you need to maximize everything, and that means focusing on power. In decades passed, the focus was more on racecraft in part due to the prevalence of doping (and you still see it somewhat in amateur/masters) but in modern cycling there's no need for doping (let's say classic doping) but you need to train smart and work on power

[@theupperechelon7634]

Go EJ. All the way to the top. We believe in you.

[@fredsirvalo1904]

I knew drafting was huge in races, but I had never seen the numbers as presented here. Thanks for posting.

[@davidnicholson6680]

A friend of mine did three hours at 300 watts indoors recently. He's a suburban dad who rides for fun. These aerobic beasts exist.

[@Stealthwealth1001]

The reason Marcel Kittle won so many sprints was because of his phenomenal power. Being the heaviest rider in the peloton when he hit the mountain stages it took the entire team to drag and encourage him from getting gapped and not finishing the stage due to time cuts.

[@philipk4475]

TdF sprinters have ftps over 5 w/kg.

[@michaelsteven1090]

@@philipk4475 They would drop all the local fast guys in the weekly group ride, climbs included.

[@dominickbrookes5103]

I don't know either Jeff or ej but I agree here 100%. When I was younger I could put out 1600+ and sucked at crit racing precisely because I was never comfy in a 31mph pack on technical courses. Leading a race at some point through brute force is not the same as being there at the end where the sprint matters. People like Bahati, Smith, Cory Williams and Jeff have that mental gear to be there and they are strong. If EJ has that pack speed mentality he has the gifts to contend for national titles. Honestly put him on the track.

[@mstrasser]

His numbers are phenomenal, but, watts don't equal wins. Just ask Cav, who's always said he never has the highest wattage but he knows how to use his power best after being positioned best. Also, great experiment with the strava double upload 👍

[@goodcompanycoffee]

Cool trick to upload to Strava with no power data to get an estimate. Enjoying the latest videos esp with Miami race

[@jonathancarycycling]

This could have been the biggest conspiracy in cycling lol! Can't wait to see EJ in P12 soon! 👀

[@ryankeels4661]

Also, with only 4 months of racing I'd imagine his numbers are going to keep growing quite considerably

[@Shwizzler]

Homie is just juiced up putting out numbers he doesn't know what to do with lol

[@ff2e]

You can see the 1700 watts from his speed. I just get sad because I've been training for 3 years and can't crack a 300w ftp and seem to periodically go backwards lol 😁

[@philipk4475]

The average human just simply has a genetic limit of around 4 w/kg - regardless of how much training they do. So don't beat yourself up about not having had different parents. 3y of training is not much. You will see improvements over 10y of endurance training. That might not be directly measurable with an ftp test when fresh though

[@MiguelAugusto1982]

Did you double check the accuracy on the power meter you're using? I would do that if I were you. Just found out mine was around 15% lower than reality!

[@PhillRS]

Same happened when i hit 1850 for a couple of seconds and averaged 1600 for 5 seconds, haters started talking about my power meter, tested on a wahoo trainer and everybody was like: well, we need to calibrate the trainer... Lol, so they did! Tried again and i was getting pissed because nobody believed it so i got 1910 max for 2 seconds and 1680 for 5. Go figure...

[@bam0505]

Could host a Zwift ride if he hasn’t already and record the weigh in. Smart trainers are generally spot on. My thought is it’s more of position / his size not being as aero as it could be. I think it’s more of the max power being impressive. There’s a lot of people that could get 4.5-5wkg if they did those miles (with structure)

[@badumdish1997]

Seeing how EJ obliterated the cat3/4 with ZERO race smarts, the power numbers totally make sense. Maybe get him to do a performance test in a lab. That'll shut up the haters and get a funny reaction from the doc when you tell him he's been training for barely a year.

[@EMBIKES]

I'm thinking EJ has done a lot of weight training/ squats back in his baseball days...

[@Mark_Tucker]

3:15 *body position too= free watts 🙌

[@gregleman6592]

I think people dont understand that his baseball background is what had lead to his really good sprint numbers. Assuming he played from the time he was 5 to 22, EJ spent 17 years doing thousands and thousands of 5 -15 second sprints during practice, games, & training. When I came into the sport a year after playing baseball for 14 years I was hitting 1300 watt peak sprints at 138 lbs, but my aerobic endurance was garbage. That's what I find so impressive about EJ is his aerobic engine is insane after only a yearish of training. Clearly he special genetically and I don't think a lot of people can handle that fact.

[@TheJRCarr]

My Garmin vector 3 pedal power meters tell me I can do 1700w but I’m scared they’re over generous. I calibrate every time though 😢

[@twistedwires7318]

I don't understand why anyone questions the guy's power data. The data isn't even necessary for a casual observer watching his race footage. Just watch the man ride away from other sprinters when they're all already going fast. That takes a tremendous amount of instant power to accomplish. The average rider cannot make that many instant watts. EJ is gifted. That's it.

[@patrickcarroll5226]

Everyone asking if it's legit instead of asking about your training methodology. Well done to you both.

[@joeegg62]

With power number like that, it might be worth EJ going and chatting with frenemy Brian and looking into time trialling.

[@steffens265]

How is his training? Like is he never riding longer than 2h or can he also smash 20min @ftp after a solid 4h group ride?

[@kobdog3035]

Where can I get that PRAY FOR CRITS shirt???

[@letriciabrowder2942]

I love that shirt jeff! Where can i get one?

[@zachs6191]

Jeff, you coming to Boise again this year?

[@jeremysweeten2792]

Bc racing is skill! (Amen, Jeff) And this is why a lot of guys get mad at crit racing. Strongest person rarely wins

[@TheTurdFerguson]

I just want to know where I can get the shirt Jeff is wearing

[@brandonevans2588]

Power data is a very useful tool in training but maybe not as much for racing. Especially in crit racing. The data is good for pacing/recovering for endurance races for sure. Also, inaccurate data is still useful if it is consistent. It’s more about how you use the info. It could say you do 2000w in zone 2. At least you know your zone 2 is around that number. Outside of that, it’s just bragging for other people to even know what it is.

[@parmijo]

His power data is real. Its been documented many times. But his position on the bike looks very un-aero. Like a parachute. Putting an aerosensor on EJ's bike would allow us to measure cda. Then put it on Jeff's for comparison.

[@ult4554]

Off topic but what tires do jeff run on his crits??

[@NorCalCycling]

28c conti gp5000

[@VeloJake]

Haven't watched the video yet, but will tonight. I highly doubt he is faking data. But what I want to know, is did you guys suspect he had such a genetic predisposition to be being an endurance athlete when you guys started? He went from total newb to top 1% of all cyclists in like less than year, in raw FTP, sprint, and probably even W/kg... definitely results not typical. That has to be some rare genetics.

[@adultcrash13]

or he's just not a noob

[@terrellpickett7904]

2 things: -If I hear you call EJ a “Heavy Cyclist” one more time, Im swandiving out the window -Signed “205 lb rider”😂 -Where is that “Pray for Crits” shirt from? I need it yesterday.

[@omegaPhix]

just because you're heavier that doesn't make him not a heavy rider

[@terrellpickett7904]

@@omegaPhix just because he is a “Heavy Rider” doesnt mean Im not swan diving out a window if I hear him called a heavy rider.

[@jamilcostley1]

EJ don’t be drafting bruh! Even when he’s behind riders, he still isn’t in the draft, he’s off to the side and he chases back EVERYTHING.

[@mitchellsteindler]

Yep 😂. He'll get there. When you're as strong as him, you don't feel the sheer desperation of catching every watt of draft you can. I hate pedaling hard except when. I absolutely need to, so I'm a draft seeking missile.

[@jamilcostley1]

@@mitchellsteindler I’m definitely not taking anything from him, he’s a BEAST! He’s also very new to racing, I get it.

[@robrebs4675]

Pro track cyclists are meant to produce 25watts per kilo. Do the math. EJ is a special rider. There are riders far more special. Let’s just enjoy the vids and enjoy spectating his growing talent and acknowledge that we can’t measure others by our own abilities, for better or worse.

[@noggyjaen]

But WAIT!! I want to advance like EJ is doing!!! Ha! Have to say I joined Your Master Class because I saw how much EJ had improved. I want to do the same. I want to fake my power just as much as he is doing.. We’ll show them in a Race 😂😅

[@liamcooper3836]

That's cool Jeff but ya boi's definitely on gear and it's pee in a cup time. \s Greg Doucette natty or not video coming up quick I bet. Seriously keep the vids coming, I'm loving it.

[@MichaelThorne_za]

Haters gonna hate. 🙄 Interesting video! Keep it up, you guys rock.

[@geniouscommenter]

if he grew up in Belgium or the Netherlands or something, who knows, could’ve been hauling the peloton along like Declercq

[@Karel-B]

Some people are just built different. I never had any issues hitting 1500 Watts in a sprint. Even as a beginner cyclist. Coming from an explosive sports background. But don't ask me to follow one of my climber buddies up a long climb. I'm not built for that. 😂 EJ is just built for sprinting. The best track sprinters can wind up to 2500Watts, but don't ask them to climb the Ventoux. 😅

[@DittersGustav]

Yep, me too, i can probably still hit 1600+ peak power untrained, but for sure i can't hold 1000 for 30s or nowhere near 300 for 1 hour.

[@rich.trails]

The 375ftp is more impressive. I was his weight when racing and mine was 330 at my beast and made it to cat 2. The sprint numbers are totally normal for a good sprinter his size. Just because you see pros doing 1400w for a few seconds at the end of a 6 hr race doesn't mean it's comparable. Pro roadies do not have particularly good raw sprint wattage with a few exceptions. I remember they said Cipo could do 2kw, and likely other big sprinters. Plenty of cat 3,4, even 5s can peak over 1600w. Road cycling is an endurance sport. I could do 2kw at my best, but never in a race situation due to being anaerobic at the start of a sprint, so I never was much of anything. Nowadays I'm long out of riding as much as I use to, and do 1400 peak if lucky. Your 30 second, 1 minute and 5 minute power means a LOT more.

[@ElliotBuchanan-q5i]

Big question is where can I get the t shirt that Jeff is wearing?

[@nomocars23]

Road crew out of STL

[@crbondur]

It makes sense that his power numbers are that high. The dude was a collegiate baseball player, which is all about fast twitch muscle, i.e., POWER! Pair this with his training intensity and time, along with his youth, and it makes sense that he's improved as much as he has. BUT, just like Jeff mentioned, power isn't the be-all/end-all of bike racing. Tactics and efficiency are HUGE when it comes to racing.

[@ChristianAlkjr]

Do you guys ever do TT's? Could be interesting, no? 🙂

[@davidspagnolo4870]

EJ did a TT and almost won it

[@ewurlok]

Godzilla! Take EJ to the track!

[@santosderekp.1921]

Where can i watch ej hitting 1700 Watts? Title of vid?

[@Mr._Moose]

That's why races without the ability to draft are better. Shows one's true abilities from a purely physical standpoint instead of getting assistance in lugging yourself from start to finish (not knocking crits, tours, etc., as they are fun to watch/participate in as well). Unfortunately, duathlons/triathlons is where one needs to go to in order to participate in this type of racing on a road bike.

[@pwhitbeck]

My coach questioned my power data as well. Sadly because it was so low…

[@timothyskattum950]

Suddenly I feel a lot better about my power…. 😂😂😂

[@pecxs991]

The main question is: How can you get to 4.8w/kg in 6 month of bike riding…

[@trajtemberg]

EJ belongs to the velodrome.

[@DecentGatsby]

EJ hits 3200 watts just thinking about the open wind. Dudes an animal, a cool animal.

[@AlexPeka]

My sprint numbers are almost literally identical (his aerobic is better!) I'd say our numbers are fourth quadrant box plots but nowhere near outliers. If you spend a few years practicing an anaerobic sport (preferably weight lifting), you too could easily have these numbers.

[@RideLikeHull]

Shirt link? 🙏🏽

[@MarvinWestmaas]

Thinking higher amounts of power means you automatically win races is like thinking that more skilled people make more money ;)

[@swites]

Doesn't surprise me at all. Big 79/80kg guy with lots of fast twitch fibres. Some 70kg guys can produce over 1500w's in the WT. If 79kgs like EJ that's 1700w+

[@Aslan_1993]

I just want to know where this shirt is from

[@liam_c27]

Spoiler alert: EJs power meter is under reading 😱⚠️

[@burnsideisback]

Totally believeable at his weight in particular

[@robertsamuel1994]

You forgot to mention that a great powercurve doesn't translate directly to longer races.Young talent often has power curves comparable to world tour pro's. What are they missing? Fatigue resistance.

[@biedawo]

I'm just trying to figure out if that is a gamer t-shirt or a cycling t-shirt.

[@chrisparent4660]

Nice watch!

[@NorCalCycling]

g shock gang

[@chrisparent4660]

@@NorCalCycling Nothing better.

[@mrvwbug4423]

I'm chuckling at the comments saying "1700 watts is impossible", meanwhile I've seen track sprinters push 2200 watts and break 11 speed chains trying to sprint on a regular road bike.

[@zachpetersen7838]

Who makes that shirt?

[@Br4tWur5t91]

EJ is a legend 🙂

[@davidhoechster6767]

Young, strong & stupid is how many of us started out as racers. Eventually he'll learn race craft

[@princeg973]

cool watch!

[@hayes6262]

Everyone jealous EJ is better than us and we been riding 10 years ha some people are just better at cycling guys chill and enjoy his journey

[@CanonFirefly]

You can tell they numbers are legit by looking at the speed! I can hit those speeds too, but in KM not Mi 😂

[@BryanHoefer]

Question: Why isn't EJ winning races with his power numbers? Answer: All the times Jeff says "here you are again in the wind / by yourself/ at the front of the pack/ why are you chasing him, or something along those lines when watching his EJ's videos. The fitness is there, the racecraft will come. You can gain fitness by yourself, racecraft you only learn in races.

[@noqualies]

that shirt is so dope

[@henrydot6898]

The hard truth is that endurance sport is very dependend on genetics. A buddy of mine trained with structure for many years and never achived a 4.0 w/kg, while a friend who just started cycling already has higher numbers just from doing unstructured rides (alot of them though. Also Iam not saying there is no benefit of structure). Thats why everyone should do the sport for enjoyment and not for numbers.

[@kev2382]

EJ is a hulk on a bike. Hulk SMASH!!

[@theoriginalrecycler]

Under your wing norcal there was never any question of fudging

[@HeavensentGojo]

So EJ has a weapon that’s still dull the more experience he gets the more that weapon will sharpen and one day he’ll win national 👍

[@SteamPedals]

I know a some guys on the track with numbers this high or higher and they're not all built like Harrie Lavreysen. Some are, but not all