Quote Originally Posted by spokewench View Post
I don't think there is a really a gender difference; it is the fitness level and the weightloss. You need to have the aerobic and power (muscle mass) to see the gains I believe which is strength to weight ratio issue. You can't just loose weight and not train and expect to be a lot faster.
Of course--I wasn't suggesting that I could lose weight and sit around doing nothing and be faster than I was before losing weight. But all other things equal in terms of training volume comparing a 155# cyclist vs. one 25#s lighter. My hubby's training for 2012 wasn't significantly different than 2011's training style and volume. But he had lost a couple pant sizes. He went from top 5 placement in C cyclocross races to top 5 placement in B races...that's faster and longer races (45 minute races vs. C's 30 minute races).

He does have a lot of muscle mass for a guy his height. And he has HUGE quads (ask limewave). He's kind of a freak!