Let’s Talk About Your FTP !
No matter if you’ve new to cycling or been cycling for years I’m sure you’ve heard people talk about FTP but what does it mean?
Functional Threshold Power is effectively the maximum power you can sustain for an hour.
Knowing your FTP is seen as a key factor for determining your all-round ability on the bike, and is a number you will want to become very familiar with whether you’re taking part in a structured training plan or just looking to monitor your improvement.
FTP is a vital figure in setting your exact training zones, which you can use to guide your rides and to extract the most bang-for-you-buck from every training session.
How do I find out my FTP?
Ok I get it, I need to know this number but how do i get it ?
Luckily there is an easier way to find this figure the riding flat out for an entire hour although this is an option should you want to !
The test can vary depending on provider but the main body will be an all out effort for 20 minutes, then after 95% of the average power for the 20 minute session is calculated giving you your FTP.
The full session would look something like this….
Click here to input your threshold figure to calculate your zones
Why pay to be tested when you can do this at home?
Good question and one I get asked a lot, with the increased popularity of Zwift and Trainer Road i’m seeing a lot of people undertake this test themselves. This isn’t a bad thing and in fact for regular testing I would encourage it however at this time of the year when people are looking to set their goals and plan for 2019 it is imperative that the test used to determine the training zones for the new year base and build plans are as accurate as possible.
You want you’re FTP number to be as high as it can be. I have no doubt that a experienced rider who is a regular to the FTP test can get very close to the maximum they could produce but i’d say for 90% of people I see in my studio were able to really turn the screw and extract that little bit extra !
It’s so important to have an FTP figure that is as high as you can possibly produce and as it will go on to shape the next block of training ensuring that each zone is accurate and when your training in a certain zone that it is actually a true representation of that zone to force the right adaptations.
A Ride Harder test isn’t only about getting your FTP number we will also explain the number, calculate and explain your training zones as well as produce your Functional Threshold Heart Rate (FTHR) data too if you’re wearing a HR monitor during the test and lots more.
There’s loads of reasons to come and see us – So let’s get fast together in 2019 !
#Ride Harder #Trainsmarter
