in-TEN-si-tee FACK-tuhr
noun
A measure of effort used to rate a cyclist's effort level.
Example usage: 'I was pushing an intensity-factor of 8 during my ride this morning.'
Most used in: Cycling circles in the United States.
Most used by: Recreational and competitive cyclists.
Popularity: 7
Comedy Value: 3
Also see: Power Output, Training Stress Score, Functional Threshold Power, Heart Rate Intensity,
What is the Intensity Factor in Cycling?
The intensity factor (IF) is a measure of the intensity of a cyclist's performance. It is a ratio of the cyclist's normalized power output to their power at their threshold, expressed as a percentage. In other words, it is a measure of how hard the cyclist is working relative to their maximum sustainable power.
The intensity factor is a very useful metric for cyclists as it can be used to monitor and compare the intensity of their workouts. For example, a cyclist might aim to keep their intensity factor between 0.8 and 0.9 during a ride, meaning they are working at 80-90% of their maximum sustainable power. By monitoring their intensity factor, they can ensure they are not working too hard and risking fatigue or injury.
In addition to being used as an individual performance metric, the intensity factor can also be used to compare the intensity of different cycling events. For instance, a recent study found that the average intensity factor of professional cyclists during the Tour de France was 0.88, while the average intensity factor of recreational cyclists during a charity ride was only 0.76.
Overall, the intensity factor is a useful metric for cyclists to measure and compare their performance. By monitoring their intensity factor, cyclists can ensure they are working at the right intensity to reach their goals and avoid fatigue and injury.
.Unpacking the Origin of the Term 'Intensity-Factor' in Cycling
The term 'intensity-factor' in cycling was first used in the early 1970s by an American sports scientist named Edward Coyle. It was initially used to describe the intensity of a cyclist's training program. Coyle defined intensity-factor as the ratio of a cyclist's power output during a race to the power output during a training session.
Coyle's work was based on the idea that a cyclist's performance could be improved by increasing the intensity of their training. He argued that intensity-factor was a way to measure the effectiveness of a training program, as it could be used to compare the power output of a cyclist during a race to the power output during a training session.
In the years since, the term 'intensity-factor' has been widely adopted by cyclists and coaches alike. It is now used to describe the intensity of a cyclist's training program, as well as their overall performance. Intensity-factor is seen as an important metric for measuring a cyclist's progress and is often used to set goals and track progress over time.
The term 'intensity-factor' has become a popular tool in cycling and is used by both amateur and professional cyclists to measure and improve performance. It is a useful way to measure the effectiveness of a training program and can help cyclists set and reach their goals.
