Rider Type · Data-Derived
Pure Climber
Thrives on sustained gradient. The steeper and longer, the better.
Over 22 rides and 210 segment results in 2026, Matt Bierbaum averaged in the top 39% of the field, with a +2 percentile points (improves!) from the opening segments to the late-ride segments.
Over 22 rides and 210 segment results in 2026, Matt Bierbaum averaged in the top 39% 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 41% avg →
Late (S07+): top 39% avg ·
Swing: +2 percentile points (improves!)
Performance by Segment Type
By Distance
<0.4km (n=79)
Top 39%
0.4–0.8km (n=78)
Top 40%
>0.8km (n=53)
Top 37%
By Gradient
<6% flat (n=45)
Top 43%
6–10% mod (n=85)
Top 41%
10–13% steep (n=58)
Top 36%
>13% wall (n=21)
Top 31%
Effort Profile
Punchy <0.45km ≥9% (n=56)
Top 36%
Threshold ≥0.7km ≥5% (n=50)
Top 36%
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% |
| 54/66 | La Rena Climb | 0.35 km | 7.3% |
| 50/63 | Via Ventana and Briones climb | 0.82 km | 6.8% |
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 — 12 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.
Pack Battle — Rivals Within 15 Seconds
Same-gender riders finishing within 15 s of Matt across multiple rides (≥2 encounters).
🏴
Nemesis
Clay Wilderman
0–2 in 2 encounters · 0% wins
⚔️
Rival
road runner
1–1 in 2 encounters · 50% wins
🎯
Prey
Michael Muhler
2–1 in 3 encounters · 67% wins
| Rider | Encounters | Matt record | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Michael Muhler | 3 | 2–1 | 67% |
| 🎯 Steven Froelich | 3 | 2–1 | 67% |
| 🎯 Sean Rowe | 2 | 2–0 | 100% |
| 🎯 Jack Liu | 2 | 2–0 | 100% |
| ⚔️ road runner | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| ⚔️ Dane Holte | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| ⚔️ Andrew Y | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| ⚔️ David Remahl | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| ⚔️ Robert Ragno | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| ⚔️ Karl Frerichs | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| 🏴 Clay Wilderman | 2 | 0–2 | 0% |
| 🏴 Allen I | 2 | 0–2 | 0% |
| 🏴 Martin W | 2 | 0–2 | 0% |