"Train Smarter, Perform Better: Unlock Your Event-Specific Physiology."
The Critical Power Club centres on our Power Dynamics Calculator, providing key metrics such as Critical Power (CP), W' (anaerobic work capacity), Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP), rider style classification, and your CP as a percentage of MAP.
To access these metrics, download our testing protocol and follow the straightforward steps provided. The protocol clearly outlines each test, recovery periods, and how to input your data for accurate results.
To access these metrics, download our testing protocol and follow the straightforward steps provided. The protocol clearly outlines each test, recovery periods, and how to input your data for accurate results.
The audio guide below explains:
- Why testing your power metrics matters
- The purpose behind each metric (Critical Power, W', MAP)
- How to effectively use these metrics in your training
- Practical training guidance based on your test results
Download the testing protocol below
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✅ Critical power & W' Test Download
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✅ Maximal Aerobic Power Test Download
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Displayed Results
After inputting the required data, you’ll see the following results organised into three key areas:
Aerobic Capacity and Efficiency
VO2Max:
This is an estimate of your maximum aerobic capacity (how much oxygen your body can utilise during exercise). It reflects the size of your aerobic engine and is a key indicator of fitness.
Fractional Utilisation:
This is the percentage that your Critical Power (CP) is relative to your MAP. It tells us how efficiently you can sustain power close to your aerobic ceiling. The higher the percentage, the more efficient you are:
After inputting the required data, you’ll see the following results organised into three key areas:
Aerobic Capacity and Efficiency
VO2Max:
This is an estimate of your maximum aerobic capacity (how much oxygen your body can utilise during exercise). It reflects the size of your aerobic engine and is a key indicator of fitness.
Fractional Utilisation:
This is the percentage that your Critical Power (CP) is relative to your MAP. It tells us how efficiently you can sustain power close to your aerobic ceiling. The higher the percentage, the more efficient you are:
- 80-90%: High – Indicates a strong ability to sustain steady-state efforts (e.g., time trialists).
- 75-80%: Medium – Balanced performance; suited for a variety of efforts (e.g., all-rounders).
- Below 75%: Low – Suggests a high anaerobic contribution, typical for sprinters.
Anaerobic Capacity
W′ (W Prime):
This measures your anaerobic energy reserve, or how much work you can perform above your CP before exhaustion. It reflects your ability to handle short, intense efforts like sprints, surges, or attacks in races.
W′ (W Prime):
This measures your anaerobic energy reserve, or how much work you can perform above your CP before exhaustion. It reflects your ability to handle short, intense efforts like sprints, surges, or attacks in races.
Sustainable Power and Performance
Critical Power (CP):
Your CP represents the highest power you can sustain aerobically over time without fatigue. It’s a key marker for endurance performance.
CP | W/kg:
This is your CP normalised to your body weight, allowing comparison with other athletes and highlighting performance in climbing or weight-sensitive disciplines.
Critical Power (CP):
Your CP represents the highest power you can sustain aerobically over time without fatigue. It’s a key marker for endurance performance.
CP | W/kg:
This is your CP normalised to your body weight, allowing comparison with other athletes and highlighting performance in climbing or weight-sensitive disciplines.
How These Metrics Work Together
- VO2Max gives insight into your aerobic potential.
- Fractional Utilisation shows how efficiently you use that potential for sustained efforts.
- W′ reflects your anaerobic strength for bursts of power.
- CP and CP | W/kg provide a benchmark for endurance and weight-relative performance.
Why These Tests Matter
This testing process ensures a well-rounded understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement. Whether you’re a sprinter, time trialist, or all-rounder, these metrics provide actionable insights to tailor your training for maximum performance.
This testing process ensures a well-rounded understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement. Whether you’re a sprinter, time trialist, or all-rounder, these metrics provide actionable insights to tailor your training for maximum performance.
