Genetic Potential / Trainability of FTP

Originally Posted by Markster

I'm fresh at the moment so I might have a go at a couple of 1min efforts tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Markster

Is there much connection between the 5secs and 1min durations?

Originally Posted by frenchyge

Not a couple -- one. If you do it right there won't be a thought left in your mind about trying another one.

Originally Posted by Markster

A few weeks ago I did a HC which took 8:15 and I averaged 408W NP (400W average). I'd estimate my 5min power is at least 425W.
This time last year I did a 6:05 HC at a similar level of fitness and I averaged 425W @ 70W.

However, my FTP is currently only 321W. This is about 6 rows lower on the Power Profile tables. My 1min and 5sec powers (560W and 1200W respectively) are way below these numbers so I don't think my 5min power is elevated by a large anaerobic capacity ( I don't have particularly big muscles and I've done a CP analysis in the past and my AC was about 25k).

These figures give me a sharply inverted V profile. I've struggled with consistent training the last few years (a lot of overtraining and stuff), and although I've seen big gains doing FTP work, I've never managed to sustain a block for longer than 4weeks. I therefore don't have much idea of my real FTP potential, and whether I'm a natural inverted V, or whether I can improve my FTP to nearer my 5min power.

I've read that 'good' TTers can get their FTP to within 90% of their VO2max values. How much is this percentage defined by genetics? Can people generally achieve, say, 80%, but only a few have the potential to achieve 90%?

My goal is TTing so I will be focussing on increasing my FTP. I've also got on top of all the training issues I previously had so expect to train a lot more consistently. My goal for next season is an FTP of 350W (previous best is 335W).

Using the 8:15 HC @ 400W as an estimate of my VO2max power (how valid is this?) and assuming it doesn't change, my goal power power will be 88% of my VO2max power. Does this seem achievable? Is 90% (360W) achievable? I think I read that Dr Coggan can reach an FTP of 90% of VO2max power, but isn't he a bit of an aerobic monster? (sorry Andy!).

Anyone have any input?

Thanks very much!

Originally Posted by rmur17

just wondering what numbers you used for the CP-AWC analysis. On the face of it, I'd figure your AWC would be much higher than 25,000

Originally Posted by Markster

5sec: 1200W - 17.1W/kg (Cat 2/3 overlap on Power Profile tables)
1min: 608W - 8.69W/kg (Cat 2/3 overlap)
5min: 425W - 6.07W/kg (mid Cat 1)
FTP: 335W - 4.79W/kg (low Cat 1)

...in combination with how I am able to race (good aerobically, get killed in any sprints), I feel it's unlikely that my high 5min power is a result of anaerobic capacity. I've also not done any dedicated Zone 6 training, or even much Zone 5.