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Cycling Power and Speed Relationship
Formula
Cycling power is determined by three main forces: rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag, and gravity. At higher speeds, aerodynamic drag dominates, which is why power increases cubically with speed on flat terrain.
Understanding power helps cyclists train more effectively and predict performance. Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a key metric representing the highest power sustainable for one hour.
Common use cases:
- Estimating power for target speeds
- Hill climbing performance prediction
- Equipment optimization analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Maria Gonzalez
Registered Dietitian, RD, MPH
Maria is a Registered Dietitian with a Master's in Public Health. She focuses on evidence-based nutrition assessment tools including BMI, calorie calculations, and body composition analysis.
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