Critical Speed - Cycling

Definition

Critical Cycling Speed is defined as the theoretical fastest pace that a cyclist can maintain continuously without exhaustion, your aerobic cycling threshold.

Procedure (20-60 minute Time Trial)

- WarmUp properly

- Find a quiet section of uninterrupted road and ride at the highest effort as you can for 20, 30 or 60 minutes.

- Take your average power for the 20 minutes and subtract 5% to get your Threshold Power. If you rode for 30-60 minutes you don't need to subtract the 5%

Procedure (2x8 minute Time Trial)

- WarmUp properly.

- Find a quiet section of uninterrupted road and ride at the highest effort as you can for 8 minutes.

- Recover by riding easy for 10 minutes.

- Repeat the 8 minutes effort.

- Take the highest average speed from both tests and subtract 10%

How we use it

Using Cycling speed is only possible in a controlled environment (indoor track) with no influence of any weather conditions or environment (underground, hills).

We can use it however to predict the outcome of a Time Trial based on the conditions you will be eventing in. Based on that prediction we can make a race-plan and adjust the food and drink intake.

We also refer to Critical Speed with the term 'Current Pace'

And finally we can use the outcome to define your Training Zones and build Workouts to improve.

More information

- Our philosophy: Target Pace