Threshold, Thresholds, Thresholds?

The Cycling Performance Club

You probably realize that ‘threshold’ is an important measure for endurance athletes. However, there seem to be many different types of threshold measures out there, and that might be confusing for some. In this episode, the panel explores the many types of threshold measures (e.g. FTP, critical power, lactate threshold): how they are determined, whether they are the same or different, whether they are interchangeable, how they relate to each other, and what it all means for the real-world coach and cyclist.

Episode Timestamps:
2:31 What is ‘threshold’?
3:00 Exercise domains
10:45 What are the purposes of determining threshold?
14:33 What are the main thresholds measured in endurance sport?
18:15 Functional threshold power
23:48 Critical power
30:46 Lactate thresholds
40:37 Ventilatory thresholds
44:40 How the thresholds compare with each other
56:40 General conclusions
70:10 Thought experiment: does threshold even matter in modern endurance training?

Episode References:
The Maximal Metabolic Steady State: Redefining the ‘Gold Standard’

Relationship Between the Critical Power Test and a 20-min Functional Threshold Power Test in Cycling

Road cycle TT performance: Relationship to the power-duration model and association with FTP

Reliability of the Functional Threshold Power in Competitive Cyclists

Is the Functional Threshold Power Interchangeable With the Maximal Lactate Steady State in Trained Cyclists?

Is the Functional Threshold Power a Valid Metric to Estimate the Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cyclists?

Maximal Lactate Steady State Versus the 20-Minute Functional Threshold Power Test in Well-Trained Individuals: “Watts” the Big Deal?

Functional Threshold Power Is Not Equivalent to Lactate Parameters in Trained Cyclists

Functional Threshold Power: Relationship With Respiratory Compensation Point and Effects of Various Warm-Up Protocols

Relative Proximity of Critical Power and Metabolic/Ventilatory Thresholds: Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis

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Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D. - sport scientist and cycling coach
boyntoncoaching.com

Cyrus Monk - professional cyclist and cycling coach
cyclistscientist.com

Damian Ruse - professional cycling coach
semiprocycling.com

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