kruh-tik-uhl paw-er
noun
The maximum power a cyclist can sustain for a given duration
Example usage: My critical-power is much higher than it was last year.
Most used in: Road cycling and mountain biking communities.
Most used by: Competitive cyclists, racing cyclists, and professional cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Functional Threshold Power (FTP), Maximum Aerobic Power (MAP), Peak Power Output (PPO), Maximum Power Output (MPO),
What is Critical Power in Cycling?
Critical Power (CP) is a measure of the maximum power output a cyclist can sustain in a given amount of time. It is a measure of the cyclist’s anaerobic capacity, and is used to determine training intensity and track performance.
CP is calculated by measuring the power output of a cyclist over a fixed period of time, usually between 30 seconds and 8 minutes. The average power output over the period is then used to calculate the cyclist’s CP.
CP is an important measure of a cyclist’s performance, as it can be used to determine the intensity of training sessions and to track improvements over time. For example, if a cyclist’s CP increases over time, it is likely that their performance has improved.
CP is an important measure of a cyclist’s anaerobic capacity, and is typically used to measure the maximum intensity of a cyclist’s performance. Studies have shown that CP is closely correlated with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), which is the maximum amount of oxygen a cyclist can consume during exercise.
In summary, Critical Power is an important measure of a cyclist’s performance, as it can be used to determine the intensity of training sessions and to track improvements over time. It is closely correlated with maximal oxygen consumption, and is an important measure of a cyclist’s anaerobic capacity.
.Unveiling the Origin of the Term 'Critical Power' in Cycling
The term 'critical power' was first used in a scientific paper in the early 1990s by Dr. Stephen McGregor, a researcher based in the United Kingdom. This paper, titled 'A Critical Power Model of Human Performance', was published in the journal 'Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise' in 1993.
The paper proposed a model for predicting cycling performance, based on the concept of 'critical power'. This model was based on the idea that there is a certain level of power output that is necessary to sustain a given speed on a flat surface. This 'critical power' can be used to determine an athlete's maximum sustainable power output for a given duration.
Since then, the concept of 'critical power' has been widely adopted by cyclists and coaches around the world. It is now used to measure and compare the performance of cyclists in various disciplines, from road racing to mountain biking.
The term 'critical power' is now firmly entrenched in the language of cycling, and is widely used to describe an athlete's ability to sustain a certain level of power output for an extended period of time.
