Rider Type · Data-Derived
Pure Climber
Thrives on sustained gradient. The steeper and longer, the better.
Over 13 rides and 128 segment results in 2026, Karl Frerichs averaged in the top 64% of the field, with a +4 percentile points (improves!) from the opening segments to the late-ride segments.
Over 13 rides and 128 segment results in 2026, Karl Frerichs averaged in the top 64% of the field, with a +4 percentile points (improves!) from the opening segments to the late-ride segments.
Fatigue Pattern — Field Percentile by Segment Position
Average field percentile per segment slot (lower = better; bar height = how far back)
Opening (S01–S02): top 66% avg →
Late (S07+): top 62% avg ·
Swing: +4 percentile points (improves!)
Performance by Segment Type
By Distance
<0.4km (n=37 · 331W avg)
Top 65%
0.4–0.8km (n=53 · 290W avg)
Top 63%
>0.8km (n=38 · 261W avg)
Top 66%
By Gradient
<6% flat (n=27 · 263W avg)
Top 71%
6–10% mod (n=50 · 287W avg)
Top 64%
10–13% steep (n=38 · 316W avg)
Top 60%
>13% wall (n=12 · 304W avg)
Top 65%
Effort Profile
Punchy <0.45km ≥9% (n=32)
Top 65%
Threshold ≥0.7km ≥5% (n=36)
Top 63%
Peak Performances — Best 5 Segments
| Rank | Segment | Distance | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/54 | Matadero Creek Ln Climb from Bottom | 0.26 km | 10.3% |
| 21/72 | John Marthens Lane | 0.54 km | 10.6% |
| 17/53 | Vista Verde (Egan Official) Ramona to Old Spanish | 0.41 km | 13.5% |
| 29/90 | Prospect hill repeat | 0.59 km | 5.8% |
| 22/61 | Rhus Ridge Road | 0.77 km | 9.0% |
Toughest Moments — Worst 5 Segments
| Rank | Segment | Distance | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51/52 | Comer Climbs (Third) | 0.32 km | 10.3% |
| 57/59 | Hilltop Drive | 0.85 km | 4.4% |
| 53/55 | Sierra Ventura | 0.57 km | 4.4% |
| 58/62 | Hanover St | 0.48 km | 4.8% |
| 56/62 | Black Mtn Rd. | 0.83 km | 5.6% |
What the Data Suggests
💪
Strengths to Protect
Gradient is your friend — performance holds or improves on steeper pitches. Best on sustained steep climbs. The climbing economy (power-to-weight expression) is the weapon. Protect body weight and VO2max work.
🎯
Development Area
Flat and rolling segments are the weak spot — 10 percentile points behind best-gradient performance. Not about becoming a sprinter, but reducing the gap on terrain where others are pulling away. Cadence work, aero position, and short flat intervals would help neutralize the disadvantage.
📊
The Real Enemy
Flat terrain and short punchy efforts where raw speed matters more than W/kg. Watts on short efforts: 331W — the absolute number may be competitive, but the expression on non-climbing terrain is not translating.