2.2% Functional Threshold Power Gain in 1 Week with Elite Level Mountain Racer, Eric Olsen

Functional Threshold Power Gains

This case study with Eric Olsen, who is a 19 year old U23 Category 1 mountain bike cross country racer competing in ProXCT events, is focused on power changes using Functional Threshold Power (FTP) testing as the measurement. The goal with this study was to show changes to power output after just 3 session in the BPL.

Bellingham Performance Lab with Dr. Steve Noble

Athlete: Eric Olsen

Duration: August 14 - 17, 2018 (1 week)

Performance Lab sessions: Three 1 hour sessions

For those familiar with FTP testing, they will recognize these FTP numbers as very high and this type of gain coming very quickly.

Before BPL treatments:

• 397 watts for a 20 minute FTP test performed on Saturday August 11, 2018.

After BPL treatments:

• 406 watts (his highest ever) for a 20 minute FTP test performed on Sunday August 19, 2018.

• Gain of 2.2% in wattage output....in one week with this level of a rider!

• First time ever going over 400 watts...a PR!

• Faster recovery. "I actually have noticed myself feeling better in certain recovery situations. I think most notably after hard efforts." Eric Olsen

"I would say that really breaking that 400W ceiling for my FTP test was the main accomplishment and with that alone, I’m pretty stoked on the results. Those small percentage improvements make such a big difference in races. Also, its fun to break into the 5+ Watts/Kg club!" Eric Olsen