Rider Type · Data-Derived
Pure Climber
Thrives on sustained gradient. The steeper and longer, the better.
Over 20 rides and 190 segment results in 2026, Matt Bierbaum averaged in the top 37% of the field, with a +2 percentile points (improves!) from the opening segments to the late-ride segments.
Over 20 rides and 190 segment results in 2026, Matt Bierbaum averaged in the top 37% of the field, with a +2 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 39% avg →
Late (S07+): top 37% avg ·
Swing: +2 percentile points (improves!)
Performance by Segment Type
By Distance
<0.4km (n=68)
Top 38%
0.4–0.8km (n=75)
Top 38%
>0.8km (n=47)
Top 34%
By Gradient
<6% flat (n=42)
Top 42%
6–10% mod (n=76)
Top 38%
10–13% steep (n=53)
Top 34%
>13% wall (n=18)
Top 29%
Effort Profile
Punchy <0.45km ≥9% (n=48)
Top 34%
Threshold ≥0.7km ≥5% (n=44)
Top 33%
Peak Performances — Best 5 Segments
| Rank | Segment | Distance | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/52 | Vist Arrroyo Wall Two | 0.25 km | 10.5% |
| 6/56 | La Mesa Dr from Mira Way | 0.74 km | 12.5% |
| 6/56 | Morro Vista | 0.25 km | 8.1% |
| 6/55 | Up Escobar to Westridge | 0.96 km | 4.6% |
| 6/48 | Lindy to the tippy-top of Canyon View | 0.82 km | 12.5% |
Toughest Moments — Worst 5 Segments
| Rank | Segment | Distance | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67/71 | Quinnhill from Summerhill | 0.35 km | 7.5% |
| 51/62 | Boronda View Sprint | 0.6 km | 4.4% |
| 59/72 | Dirk's super short hill sprint | 0.18 km | 5.2% |
| 46/62 | Deer Creek Sprint (Egan Official) | 0.5 km | 4.7% |
| 49/72 | John Marthens Lane | 0.54 km | 10.6% |
What the Data Suggests
💪
Strengths to Protect
Gradient is your friend — performance holds or improves on steeper pitches. Best on wall-steep segments. 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 — 13 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.