Day 172 - VAM

While out with Jason last night, we did much talking on the technology of cycling and I'm sure we touched on the subject of VAM. This is the Italian abbreviation of Velocità Ascensionale Media the cycling parameter of Average Ascent Speed. I mention this now as I've been looking at my Strava stats and was impressed to see me at the top of my local leader board for the category 4 Northern Lane  climb we completed through Brancsombe, the one up past the beautiful church.

VAM is apparently calculated using the formula, metres ascended x 60 / minutes taken to ascend. I achieved a credible 617, however when compared to 1650 of the top 10 Tour de France GC or mountain stage winners, you can see what athletes they really are!

This is another stat I'll be looking out for in climbs going forward .. just pleased now to be back at the top of one of the leader boards, Just don't tell Andy!