Functional Threshold Power (FTP) in cycling represents the highest average power a cyclist can sustain for one hour. Determining this metric typically involves a 20-minute time trial at maximal effort, with the result multiplied by 0.95 to estimate the one-hour sustainable power. Alternative protocols, such as shorter tests and ramp tests, also exist. These tests provide a crucial personalized benchmark for structuring training and pacing efforts.
Accurate power data facilitates targeted training, optimizing performance gains by prescribing workouts at specific intensities relative to an individual’s physiological capacity. This personalized approach ensures optimal stimulus for improvement while minimizing the risk of overtraining. Historically, training intensity was often gauged by perceived exertion or heart rate, less precise measures compared to power. The advent of power meters revolutionized training, providing objective data that allows for fine-tuned workouts and more precise tracking of progress.
