Steve Barner wrote (snip): "Most track racing isn't about who is the fastest, anyway. It's who uses the most effective tactics."
"Sorry Steve, your wrong on that one. For sure tactics matter. And lots. But it is all about who's fastest(and who is the most fit for the distance of the event. That will get "hidden" in mass start track events, even match sprints to an extent, but any of the individual events(which also have tactics) are a clearer window as to who's fastest. Kilo, pursuit, hour record; still allot of tactics (especially in terms of a time table) , but easier to see who's fastest. Certainly, the match sprint involves tremendous tactics. Yet the event is the quintessential test of "fastest". Even if we debate the definition of "fastest": top leg speed or highest rpm over 200 meters(timed portion of the match sprint) or amount of time for the distance (sub 11's a must for topworld class today) or all of the above in one, it still comes down to whoever and however that individual got over the line first. Generally, that is the one specific and final measurement of "fastest". That is the true beauty of track racing: you get to see all the tactics and who's fastest. Ain't noth'n like the sound of a one inch pitch 24x9 at a constant 90 to 110 rpm on a 6:30 a.m. spring morning in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York. I spent many a day enjoying that pleasure. Oh yea, no breaks on any of those 50 mile days either. Mostly on an old black Frejus. Great road training track bike; a little laid back on the angles. A little softer on the kidneys and the ass. Steve,it's all about who's fastest. That's all that matters. Just ask any trackie.
enjoy and be well,
John T.Pergolizzi
LaJolla ,Ca.