Wuling Wushe Section Wattage Interval Test: Power Decay Curve from 1,148m to 1,700m Elevation

Why the Wushe Section Is the “True Starting Point” of the Westbound Wuling Climb

The 8 km from Wushe to Cingjing (Provincial Highway 14, 79K to 87K) may not look long, but elevation climbs from 1,148 m to 1,700 m, with average gradients between 6.8% and 7.5%. Many riders experience a “cliff-drop” in power output on this stretch—even with an FTP of 250 W, they can only sustain under 200 W here. This article breaks down the real impact of altitude on power output using measured data from three amateur riders with FTPs between 245 W and 260 W.

Test Conditions and Rider Profiles

The night before departure, riders stayed overnight at Cingjing at 1,100 m elevation to avoid differences in high-altitude adaptation caused by a rapid rush from low elevation. Departure temperature was 18°C, with no wind.

Measured Power Decay per 100 m of Elevation Gain

1,148 m → 1,300 m (Wushe to Chunyang Village)

• Average gradient: 6.8%
• Rider A: average 240 W (93% of FTP), heart rate 162 bpm
• Rider B: average 228 W (91% of FTP), heart rate 168 bpm
• Rider C: average 222 W (91% of FTP), heart rate 165 bpm

This stretch is only 2K from Wushe, still in the “sea-level equivalent zone,” with power output close to sea-level performance.

1,300 m → 1,500 m (Chunyang to Rongxing Village)

• Average gradient: 7.1%
• Rider A: average 230 W (89% of FTP), heart rate 168 bpm
• Rider B: average 218 W (87% of FTP), heart rate 173 bpm
• Rider C: average 210 W (86% of FTP), heart rate 171 bpm

Power begins to drop by about 4–5%, mainly due to a ~2.5% decrease in partial oxygen pressure, compounded by lactate accumulation from the continuous steep climbs.

1,500 m → 1,700 m (Rongxing to Cingjing)

• Average gradient: 7.4%
• Rider A: average 218 W (84% of FTP), heart rate 172 bpm
• Rider B: average 205 W (82% of FTP), heart rate 176 bpm
• Rider C: average 198 W (81% of FTP), heart rate 174 bpm

After entering 1,500 m, power decay accelerates, losing about 2–3 W per 100 m, and the heart-rate-to-power ratio (HR/W) begins to rise, indicating increased metabolic stress.

Heart Rate Drift Data

Heart rate changes while holding a steady 220 W for 10 minutes:

At the same output, heart rate drift nearly doubles after 1,500 m. This is a signal of the body compensating through increased ventilation and stroke volume.

Pacing Recommendations

Based on the measured data, the Wushe section should be executed in three segments:

1. Wushe → Chunyang (1,148–1,300 m): 88–92% of FTP, may be slightly above the target average
2. Chunyang → Rongxing (1,300–1,500 m): 83–87% of FTP, pay attention to breathing rhythm
3. Rongxing → Cingjing (1,500–1,700 m): 78–82% of FTP, save energy for the steep Cuifeng climb ahead

Data Conclusions for Training Camps

• The Wushe section of the westbound Wuling climb is not a segment for “explosive surges”—it is a segment for “conserving output”
• If you have already pushed your heart rate to 95% Max HR in the Wushe section, it is almost certain you will blow up after Cuifeng
• Pre-race training should include 2 long-climb sessions at 1,500 m elevation, such as riding Fengguizui twice consecutively, to simulate the metabolic challenge of 1 hour at 85% FTP

Altitude is not the enemy—it is a physical reality. Only by understanding your own power decay curve can you save the energy needed for the final 2K on the Wuling course.

Related Reading

• Wuling Atmospheric Pressure Decay Model: Quantifying Aerobic Power Loss per 500 m of Elevation Gain
• Westbound Wuling, Wushe to Cuifeng Section: Complete Guide to 7% Continuous Steep Climbs
• Wuling Descent Frostbite Risk Assessment: Core Temperature Management from 3,275 m to Wushe over 26K
• Eastbound Wuling Segment Pacing: Power Strategies for Each Section of Provincial Highway 14A