FTP testing 1 month before racing
I assume I am not the only one to have a drop (~10 pts) in FTP a month from race time. I tested last at the beginning of this build, legs were vastly fresher. I am curious, on race day, how best to use this information? After a taper, will I 'feel' like today's FTP or my 'fresh' FTP?
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I typically don't do that FTP test 1 month out from the race. During the IM Build I look at my FTP from a bottom up approach for how I feel on those longer rides and especially RR1 and RR2. I look at lots of data instead of just one FTP test. During the OS, slightly different. I do a test and change the number, but IM build is a slightly different animal. If .68-.72 feels about right for an IM pace I know I've got my FTP dialed in about right. If I can come close to hitting the mid week FTP sessions (like 95-98%) for a 2x10 or 2x12 type effort it gives me even more data to show I'm in the right range of FTP. For me, I just know it would be hard to prove a certain FTP number by testing. I'm also not necessarily wanting to test on say a Wed and have it mess up my Thur long run.
and yes, you are tired so your test is probably going to suffer a bit. Should you change your number? Maybe not. how have those long rides felt, what about RRs? go through that drill before you dial it back by 10 pts. Having said that, don't be afraid to dial it back. Even if you split the difference of say 5 watts.
Better to use data from your recent long rides and your RRs to guide your race day effort.