Power to weight, FTP and Terrain Profile If two riders of different build * rider 1 - shorter, lighter, thinner * rider 2 - taller, heavier, stockier Are riding a rolling terrain. No notable climbs. A few short climbs lasting no more than a couple of minutes maximum - but otherwise a flat to undulating terrain. Both riders having the exact same power-to-weight. And apply their power in equal measure ie. same. * rider 1 - 60kg - 270 watts 4.5watts/kg FTP * rider 2 - 80kg - 360 watts 4.5watts/kg FTP Is rider 2 _actually_ faster than rider 1? (because he is applying his 360watts on flattish terrain)

* On flat terrain raw power is what is more important than Power to weight ratio.
* On rolling terrain P/W is important, but the larger rider still has the advantage.
* On mountainous terrain P/W is the determining factor.



You can see this from races in pro cycling. Flat races are won by large strong riders and sprinters. Rolling races are won by mid size riders with punchy acceleration, but not the highest FTP or P/W ratio. Only in the mountains do we see the riders with the best P/W ratios winning.

So yes, in this case rider 2 will be significantly stronger, as he can match the lighter rider on the climbs and has a huge 90W extra on flat sections.

Speaking from personal experience as a 60kg rider, even riders with a lower P/W ratio than me can put me in big trouble on the flats even if I can destroy them on a long climb.