Rider Type · Data-Derived
Pure Climber
Thrives on sustained gradient. The steeper and longer, the better.
Over 13 rides and 122 segment results in 2026, Michael Muhler averaged in the top 55% of the field, with a +1 percentile points (improves!) from the opening segments to the late-ride segments.
Over 13 rides and 122 segment results in 2026, Michael Muhler averaged in the top 55% of the field, with a +1 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 57% avg →
Late (S07+): top 57% avg ·
Swing: +1 percentile points (improves!)
Performance by Segment Type
By Distance
<0.4km (n=39 · 340W avg)
Top 56%
0.4–0.8km (n=48 · 297W avg)
Top 55%
>0.8km (n=35 · 253W avg)
Top 53%
By Gradient
<6% flat (n=30 · 288W avg)
Top 60%
6–10% mod (n=51 · 293W avg)
Top 55%
10–13% steep (n=31 · 313W avg)
Top 49%
>13% wall (n=10 · 308W avg)
Top 53%
Effort Profile
Punchy <0.45km ≥9% (n=27)
Top 53%
Threshold ≥0.7km ≥5% (n=34)
Top 51%
Peak Performances — Best 5 Segments
| Rank | Segment | Distance | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18/63 | Westwind (E side) | 0.18 km | 11.4% |
| 18/62 | Tanglewood Lane | 0.21 km | 15.8% |
| 19/64 | Viscaino Rd (East Side) | 0.6 km | 10.8% |
| 19/62 | La Cresta - full length | 1.64 km | 5.0% |
| 17/55 | Up Escobar to Westridge | 0.96 km | 4.6% |
Toughest Moments — Worst 5 Segments
| Rank | Segment | Distance | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55/60 | Deerfield Drive up | 0.24 km | 9.1% |
| 48/54 | Christophers Ln | 0.54 km | 4.6% |
| 46/55 | Aric Lane | 0.23 km | 3.8% |
| 52/65 | Stonebrook to Prospect | 0.47 km | 5.5% |
| 52/66 | Magdalena - Dawson to Stonebrook | 1.08 km | 5.0% |
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 — 11 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: 340W — the absolute number may be competitive, but the expression on non-climbing terrain is not translating.
Pack Battle — Rivals Within 15 Seconds
Same-gender riders finishing within 15 s of Michael across multiple rides (≥2 encounters).
🏴
Nemesis
Matt Bierbaum
1–2 in 3 encounters · 33% wins
⚔️
Rival
Jim Palmer
2–2 in 4 encounters · 50% wins
🎯
Prey
Christophe Testi 🇫🇷 🇺🇸
4–0 in 4 encounters · 100% wins
| Rider | Encounters | Michael record | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Christophe Testi 🇫🇷 🇺🇸 | 4 | 4–0 | 100% |
| ⚔️ Jim Palmer | 4 | 2–2 | 50% |
| 🏴 Matt Bierbaum | 3 | 1–2 | 33% |
| 🎯 James Robinson | 2 | 2–0 | 100% |
| 🎯 Sean Rowe | 2 | 2–0 | 100% |
| ⚔️ Clay Wilderman | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| ⚔️ Brian Tam | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| ⚔️ Rhodes walton | 2 | 1–1 | 50% |
| 🏴 Robert Ragno | 2 | 0–2 | 0% |