Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

WHY YOUR FTP IS DROPPING | Cycling Coaching Deep Dive | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 511

Feb 6, 2025

Dive into a thorough analysis of why an athlete's FTP might be decreasing, exploring the crucial link between training stress scores and performance. Consistency in workouts emerges as a key theme, along with the debate between structured and unstructured training. Tips for enhancing FTP are shared, emphasizing the importance of rest weeks and avoiding workout stacking. Uncover practical insights to reverse performance declines and optimize your training as you pedal towards improvement!

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Quick takeaways

The decline in FTP can be attributed to fluctuations in training stress and the importance of maintaining consistent training volume.

Structured workouts are essential for maximizing training efficiency, as outdoor rides often introduce unpredictability that hinders performance.

Deep dives

Understanding the Decrease in FTP

A cyclist noticed a decline in their Functional Threshold Power (FTP) from 349 to 331 despite ongoing training, raising concerns about their performance. Analyzing their training calendar revealed fluctuations in training stress, particularly a substantial drop by 24% over several months. This decrease in training load is indicative of a reduction in the consistency and volume of workouts, which can directly affect performance metrics like FTP. Maintaining a specific training volume is crucial, as consistently hitting designated workloads is essential for strength and endurance improvements.

Analyzing Declining FTP: A Deep Dive into Training Patterns

21min

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// TOPICS COVERED

(00:00) Welcome!

(00:29) Analyzing Mattheu’s FTP Drop

(01:19) The Connection Between FTP and TSS

(03:03) How Consistency Affects FTP

(05:38) Structured vs. Unstructured Workouts

(07:58) Monthly Breakdown of Training

(15:56) Tips to Raise Your FTP

In today's episode, Coach Jonathan dives into the detailed analysis of an athlete's training calendar to understand why their FTP has been decreasing despite continued training. Jonathan analyzes his training stress score (TSS), structured workouts, outdoor rides, rest weeks, and consistency. Jonathan highlights the importance of following structured plans, avoiding workout stacking, respecting fatigue detection, and staying consistent in training. Discover practical insights and recommendations for improving your training and FTP in this informative episode. Drop a comment below if you want your TrainerRoad account analyzed!

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