Threshold, Thresholds, Thresholds?

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 domains10:45 What are the purposes of determining threshold?14:33 What are the main thresholds measured in endurance sport?18:15 Functional threshold power23:48 Critical power30:46 Lactate thresholds40:37 Ventilatory thresholds44:40 How the thresholds compare with each other56:40 General conclusions70:10 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 This is a listener supported podcast, and we would be stoked if you supported us by becoming a member of The Cycling Performance Club! With your backing we can continue our mission to deliver the best in cycling performance knowledge and practical advice to you and the greater cycling community. Support The Club by clicking here! Co-hosts:Jason Boynton, Ph.D. - sport scientist and cycling coachboyntoncoaching.com Cyrus Monk - professional cyclist and cycling coach