The way you have written the above almost seems to indicate that my wife is faster .
We work as a team - she is completely incapable of managing any mechanical issue and cannot be left alone. That said our watts per kg are very close (she is tiny) so our rates of vertical ascent are close enough that staying together is a non-issue. I do have to wait for her on the descents which will mean some time here and there.
@Calnago - yes I need a muffin plus much more. I have a screaming fast metabolism and have to eat every hour on the bike. If I get behind it is a challenge to catch up.