That Triathlon Show FTP, VO2max and VLaMax: what triathletes need to know with Sebastian Weber | EP#169
Sebastian Weber is a sports scientist and highly successful coach, in both professional sports (having worked with athletes like Peter Sagan, Tony Martin, and André Greipek) and with age-group endurance athletes. He is also the co-founder of the physiological performance software INSCYD. One of the important factors for his success is his knowledge about exercise physiology and metabolism. Today, he shares this knowledge with us so that you too can benefit from it and become a faster triathlete.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:
-What is FTP (Functional Threshold Power), why does it even exist, and how can you train to improve it?
-The only two variables that can be changed to improve FTP: VO2max (Aerobic Capacity) and VLaMax (glycolytic capacity)
-Why you need to focus on changing VO2max and/or VLaMax, and NOT FTP itself, if you want to improve your FTP.
-How to train to increase VO2max to increase FTP
-How to train to decrease VLaMax to increase FTP
-How VO2max and VLaMax determine your fat and carb oxidation at any intensity (including submaximal intensities)
-Nutritional aspects of changing FTP through changing VO2max and/or VLaMax
SHOWNOTES:
https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts169/
THAT TRIATHLON SHOW HOMEPAGE:
SPONSORS:
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LINKS AND RESOURCES:
- Discover the INSCYD Testing Service - Get tested with INSCYD yourself! This is a remote service, no laboratory needed. Only you and your power meter.
- INSCYD - physiology performance software founded by Sebastian
- - video of Sebastian's presentation at a 2018 workshop in Boulder
- Q&A #20 - Testing for half and full distance triathlon: are typical 20-minute tests relevant, and are there better options?
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CONTACT:
Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Twitter - my handle is @SciTriat.
SPONSORS:
- Precision Fuel & Hydration produce our favourite gels, sports drinks, and electrolyte and carbohydrate products here at That Triathlon Show and Scientific Triathlon. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event, and get 15% off your first 2026 order by using the code TTS2026 at checkout.
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