Lactate Testing and FTP Testing is for cyclists who want to get a better understanding of their training zones so that they can fine tune their training for the season. Lactate is a naturally forming by product in the body which is increased ruing exercised. By measuring how much is being produced during certain efforts, we can more accurately predict a rider’s fitness levels and then target areas of weakness in their training plans.
Lactate testing is performed in a static bike. After a warmup the bike resistance will increase every 6 minutes until the rider can no longer sustain the effort. As the resistance changes a pinprick sized blood sample is taken and analysed to determine the levels of lactate in the blood. Once the athlete can no longer continue, they rest for 15 minutes before performing an all-out 15 second sprint and then further lactate levels are taken to determine their ability to recover. Once the data has been analysed a report is sent to the rider with the data and training recommendations.
The FTP test determines a rider’s Functional Threshold Power. This is the average power a rider can put out in one hour. This test is performed on a static bike where the resistance ramps up every minute, and the rider needs to match that resistance to continue. The test is over when the rider can no longer match the resistance. Knowing their FTP will help them pitch training session to the right intensity to achieve their goals for the season.