CatEye PW-TR100 Power Unit - Manual (Page 57)

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PW-TR100 : POWER UNIT
Reference Guide
Limiting factors
Limiting factors in cycling performance – can be broken into three broad bands, these being:
• Physiological/biomechanical (e.g., MAP, lactate threshold, aerodynamics, etc.)
• Training (e.g., TT, climbing)
• Skill (e.g., attacking, cornering, feeding, following wheels)
The term MAP (maximal aerobic power) can be used synonymously with the physiological term VO 2max
(maximal oxygen uptake; the highest rate at which oxygen can be utilised by the body during very heavy
exercise – e.g. whilst climbing a short hill of ~ 4/5 minutes all-out), for the purpose of this training manual.
Physiological parameters such as VO 2max , ‘lactate threshold’, etc., ‘affect’ everyone, and, accordingly we
can all work on improving these parameters.
Training parameters are often classed as ‘personal limiting factors’, and can be identified by asking your-
self how well you climb, sprint, etc. These limiting factors can then be integrated into your goals.
Determining Limiting Factors
Certain factors need to be determined prior to constructing a training programme. These would include a
selection from the above lists (e.g., MAP, TT ability, climbing ability, cornering skills, etc.).
By determining your present ability, and then ascertaining your desired ability level (which will become
your goals) you can then set out a training plan.
Certain limiting factors can be determined by observation, whilst others may need testing. For instance, it
can be quite easy to observe that you may be a poor climber – i.e., if you are constantly off the back every
time the road goes up. While certain criteria need to be tested, e.g., MAP, TT power output. However, in all
cases it may well be a good idea for you to go through the pertinent variables giving a score on a scale of
1 (poor) to 10 (excellent).
Another simple test is to ascertain the ratio of your TT power to MAP. If your TT power falls below the
suggested race zones for your TT distance, then you’ll need to train more at zones 3 and 4. If your TT
ability is at the upper end, then you need to focus more on zones 5 and 6. See Table 2.