ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the proposed advantages of training with power meters over other measures like heart rate. It provides the reader with some empirical data obtained from elite youth cyclists on how to assess and monitor performance progression. The successful and satisfying utilization of such devices depends on the quality of the measures, which is: accuracy, validity, reliability. The direct measurement of power output, together with the resulting velocity and the physiological response is a unique opportunity for cyclists to monitor and quantify both the external and internal training load. In addition to immediately monitoring data from power meters, post-exercise analysis provides more details for evaluation. The distribution into designated zones reduces the variability of the raw power data and summarizes training or racing data in an easy and convenient way. The normalized power is available in many software analysis tools and therefore widely used by cyclists and coaches.
