Why I use Critical Power instead of FTP for training my coached riders

Critical Power tests are easier to do and you get a clearer picture of your fitness profile – there’s little not to like

Male rider training using Critical Power
(Image credit: Future)

In recent years, the main metric for measuring cycling performance and gauging progress has been Functional Threshold Power (FTP) – often ascertained by either a 60 minute maximal test or 20 minutes with the result multiplied by 0.95. 

More recently, though, other metrics – such as Critical Power (CP) and Work Prime (W’) – have risen to prominence. Being more informative and encompassing than FTP, those who train with these CP and W’ can be more targeted and better assess their performance.

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