The U23 Cycling Project
When it comes to performing at the highest U23 level, one thing stands out above everything else: the engine. Your physiological engine determines how well you can sustain power, manage fatigue, and compete with the best in the world. To make the leap to Continental or WorldTour level, your engine must be not just powerful but also efficient and durable.
The Engine That Sets You Apart
At the core of elite performance are four critical metrics: VO₂ max, Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP), Critical Power (CP), and Fractional Utilisation.
Together, these metrics define the engine needed to compete at the highest U23 level. Building this engine is not about being good at one thing—it’s about bringing all these aspects together and ensuring they work in harmony.
At the core of elite performance are four critical metrics: VO₂ max, Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP), Critical Power (CP), and Fractional Utilisation.
- VO₂ max is the size of your aerobic engine. It’s the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense effort. The higher your VO₂ max, the larger your potential to produce power aerobically.
- Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP) represents the upper limit of your aerobic power output. It’s the point where your body reaches its peak oxygen consumption. Developing a high MAP is essential for holding strong efforts over time.
- Critical Power (CP) is the power you can sustain for a prolonged period without fatigue setting in. It’s where aerobic efficiency meets endurance, and it’s a key indicator of how well your engine can sustain hard efforts.
- Fractional Utilisation is how much of your VO₂ max you can sustain at CP. The closer your CP is to your MAP, the more efficient your engine. This metric shows how effectively your aerobic capacity translates into sustainable performance.
Together, these metrics define the engine needed to compete at the highest U23 level. Building this engine is not about being good at one thing—it’s about bringing all these aspects together and ensuring they work in harmony.
Our Model: Precision-Driven and Individualised
We have created a precise, science-based model that breaks down the physiological requirements for elite U23 performance. Our model allows us to extract your data and cross-reference it with the model benchmarks, giving us a clear picture of where you stand.
We don’t just analyse data, we know exactly what’s needed to succeed at the Continental and WorldTour level. Our model is built from years of experience and scientific insight into elite cycling physiology. We’re not guessing, we’re measuring precisely the metrics that matter.
Once we analyse your individual data, we lock it into our framework, giving us an unfiltered view of your strengths and areas for development. This means we’re laser-focused on what needs to be done to take you to the next level. It’s not about trial and error or generic plans, it’s about cutting straight to the heart of what will make you faster, stronger, and more resilient.
We use power and heart rate data to build your profile. No lab testing is required—we leverage human performance modelling to analyse your metrics in real-world conditions. This approach means we can work with any cyclist in the world, delivering precise and tailored insights online.
The process is precise and individualised. We don’t work with fixed ranges or generic data. Instead, we analyse your unique performance metrics, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and use that information to inform your training strategy. This tailored approach ensures that every session and progression is relevant to your current level and goals.
We have created a precise, science-based model that breaks down the physiological requirements for elite U23 performance. Our model allows us to extract your data and cross-reference it with the model benchmarks, giving us a clear picture of where you stand.
We don’t just analyse data, we know exactly what’s needed to succeed at the Continental and WorldTour level. Our model is built from years of experience and scientific insight into elite cycling physiology. We’re not guessing, we’re measuring precisely the metrics that matter.
Once we analyse your individual data, we lock it into our framework, giving us an unfiltered view of your strengths and areas for development. This means we’re laser-focused on what needs to be done to take you to the next level. It’s not about trial and error or generic plans, it’s about cutting straight to the heart of what will make you faster, stronger, and more resilient.
We use power and heart rate data to build your profile. No lab testing is required—we leverage human performance modelling to analyse your metrics in real-world conditions. This approach means we can work with any cyclist in the world, delivering precise and tailored insights online.
The process is precise and individualised. We don’t work with fixed ranges or generic data. Instead, we analyse your unique performance metrics, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and use that information to inform your training strategy. This tailored approach ensures that every session and progression is relevant to your current level and goals.
The Fatigue Resistance Factor
One of the most significant differences between top U23 riders and elite professionals is fatigue resistance. It’s not just about how powerful your engine is when fresh, it’s about how much of that power you can sustain deep into a race or after extended effort.
We establish your fatigue resistance range by calculating your individual kJ per kg and tracking how much your power drops off from fresh to fatigued. This drop-off rate tells us how resilient your engine is under real-world racing conditions. The pros are able to maintain high power output even after hours of racing, while most U23 riders experience a significant decline. Our aim is to close that gap by systematically improving your fatigue resistance through data-driven analysis.
One of the most significant differences between top U23 riders and elite professionals is fatigue resistance. It’s not just about how powerful your engine is when fresh, it’s about how much of that power you can sustain deep into a race or after extended effort.
We establish your fatigue resistance range by calculating your individual kJ per kg and tracking how much your power drops off from fresh to fatigued. This drop-off rate tells us how resilient your engine is under real-world racing conditions. The pros are able to maintain high power output even after hours of racing, while most U23 riders experience a significant decline. Our aim is to close that gap by systematically improving your fatigue resistance through data-driven analysis.
The Result
Our approach is precise, individualised, and completely data-driven. We take the guesswork out of training by relying on hard metrics and validated scientific methods. You’ll know exactly where you stand and what needs to be improved to reach the next level.
This is The U23 Cycling Project - where we build engines designed to compete at the highest level.
Our approach is precise, individualised, and completely data-driven. We take the guesswork out of training by relying on hard metrics and validated scientific methods. You’ll know exactly where you stand and what needs to be improved to reach the next level.
This is The U23 Cycling Project - where we build engines designed to compete at the highest level.
