Skip to main content

Torque matters. 🔥

By 29 July 2026Uncategorized

Torque matters. 🔥
FTP. Threshold heart rate. One-hour power metrics.
They’re useful benchmarks, but without durability, they don’t always translate to success in longer events.
One of the ways we build durability is by increasing the amount of torque an athlete can produce. In training, that often means riding at a lower cadence against greater resistance.
Train low. Race high.
The images show why.
At the same power output, riding at a lower cadence requires approximately 7 Nm more torque. Your muscles must generate greater force with every pedal stroke. Over time, this develops strength, resilience, and a larger functional reserve.
Come race day, when you’re riding at a higher cadence and lower torque demand for the same power, the effort feels more economical and sustainable.
✅ Same power
✅ Higher torque in training
✅ Greater muscular durability
✅ More reserve when fatigue sets in
Long-course racing isn’t won by who can produce power for an hour. It’s won by who can keep producing meaningful power after hours of swimming, riding, and running.
Build the engine. Build the durability. Build the torque. 💚

#TrainLowRaceHigh #TorqueMatters #Durability #TriathlonCoaching #IronmanTraining #CyclingPerformance #EnduranceTraining #TriathlonAustralia #FunctionalReserve

Paul Skelton

Life-long endurance athlete with 20 years IRONMAN experience and 12 years of coaching. TrainingPeaks Level 2, IRONMAN Uni, WOWSA Level 3, Triathlon Australia, and Primal Health accredited Coach. Active adventure-focused athlete of 14 IRONMANs, Kona Qualifier, Ultraman, Comrades and Ultra swim finisher.