Fast Talk podcast, ep. 33: Is FTP dead?

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The VeloNews Fast Talk podcast is your source for the best advice and most interesting insight on what it takes to become a better cyclist. Listen in as VeloNews managing editor Chris Case and columnist Trevor Connor discuss a range of topics, including training, physiology, technology, and more.

In this episode of Fast Talk, we take on a controversial subject. Recently, a big debate kicked up on the Internet. Some cycling experts stated that Functional Threshold Power (FTP) was dead. Many of the big names in training got involved in the debate of the value of FTP, as well as what is and isn’t current when it comes to creating a rider’s power profile and determining their training zones. We didn’t get involved in the debate–we consider everyone in the debate to be friends at Fast Talk–but we also couldn’t resist a good scientific question.

So, we got a number of top coaches into a room to hash out this important question: What is the best way for cyclists to determine their individual training profiles?

Fast Talk is available on all your favorite podcast services, including iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, and Soundcloud. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider taking a moment to rate and comment on iTunes after listening. Also, check out the VeloNews Cycling Podcast, our weekly discussion of the sport’s hottest topics, trends, and controversies.

References

(Coyle, et al., 1991; Daniels, 1998; Faude, Kindermann, & Meyer, 2009; Joyner & Coyle, 2008; Pinot & Grappe, 2010)

Coyle, E. F., Feltner, M. E., Kautz, S. A., Hamilton, M. T., Montain, S. J., Baylor, A. M., et al. (1991). Physiological and biomechanical factors associated with elite endurance cycling performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 23(1), 93-107.
Daniels, J. (1998). Daniels’ running formula. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Faude, O., Kindermann, W., & Meyer, T. (2009). Lactate threshold concepts: how valid are they? Sports Med, 39(6), 469-490. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200939060-00003
Joyner, M. J., & Coyle, E. F. (2008). Endurance exercise performance: the physiology of champions. J Physiol, 586(1), 35-44. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.143834
Pinot, J., & Grappe, F. (2010). The ‘Power Profile’ for determining the physical capacities of a cyclist. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 13, 103-104. doi: Pii 926442695
10.1080/10255842.2010.495580