
Why Crit Racers Need More FTP Than They Think
From The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS by CTS
August 17, 2026 · 22 min · Season 6 · Episode 318
About this episode
Coach Adam Pulford discusses the importance of FTP and aerobic capacity in criterium racing and training strategies for different types of riders.
Does FTP actually matter for criterium racing? Coach Adam Pulford breaks down why your aerobic engine plays such a big role in an explosive race, how a higher FTP can reduce the cost of repeated attacks, and why sprinty "crit dawgs" and breakaway riders should approach their training differently. Plus, why none of those watts matter if you haven't developed the race craft to use them! HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's...
People in this episode
Host: Adam Pulford
Topics covered
- FTP
- criterium racing
- aerobic engine
- training
- race craft
Keywords
- FTP
- criterium racing
- aerobic engine
- training strategies
- race craft
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CTS
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