End-of-Season Power Testing: How to Evaluate a Full Year of Training

Introduction

The Taiwanese cycling season typically wraps up after the Tour de Taiwan series or the Wuling Mountain Climb in October–November, with winter marking the transition into recovery and base phases. This transitional period is the ideal time for a comprehensive season evaluation.

An end-of-season assessment isn’t just about retesting FTP—it’s a systematic review of the entire year’s training outcomes: improvement across different segments of the power curve, weight management results, training load trends, and identifying key focus areas for the next season. This article provides a complete end-of-season evaluation framework.

Why Is the End-of-Season Evaluation So Important?

Three key reasons:

1. Quantify progress: Use numbers to confirm whether a year of effort has paid off, avoiding subjective bias
2. Identify blind spots: Certain power zones may show no improvement all year, indicating gaps in training design
3. Plan for next year: Understanding your current capability profile is essential for setting realistic goals for the coming year

The Complete End-of-Season Evaluation Process

Step 1: Recovery (1–2 Weeks Before Evaluation)

After your final race of the season, give yourself 7–14 days of easy riding (primarily Z1–Z2, no more than 60 minutes per session) to allow your body to recover from season fatigue.

Signs you’re ready to test:

• Morning resting heart rate returns to baseline
• Good sleep quality (no nighttime awakenings)
• A subjective feeling of “wanting to ride”

Step 2: Power Curve Comparison

In Intervals.icu or TrainingPeaks, compare your power curve from the beginning and end of the year:

Key metrics to examine:

• 5-second power: Anaerobic explosiveness
• 1-minute power: Anaerobic capacity
• 5-minute power: VO2max-related power
• 20-minute power: Core metric close to FTP
• 60-minute power (FTP): Endurance foundation

Step 3: W/kg Assessment

Track your weight changes throughout the year and calculate the net improvement in W/kg:

Note: With FTP up 8.9% and weight down 2.8%, the W/kg improvement reaches 12.1%—this is the ideal outcome of combining power gains with weight management.

Step 4: CTL Peak Analysis

Review your year-round CTL (Chronic Training Load) curve:

Analysis questions: If CTL peaks in the middle of the season and declines in the second half, it may indicate insufficient training volume late in the season or issues with fatigue management.

Step 5: Race Performance Comparison

Compile results from all major races or test rides throughout the year:

Common Season Evaluation Findings and Solutions

Finding 1: FTP improved but 5-minute power didn’t

• Cause: Year-round training focused on Sweet Spot, lacking VO2max intervals
• Next-year solution: Add one VO2max session per week during the build phase

Finding 2: W/kg didn’t improve as expected

• Cause: Power gains were offset by weight gain
• Next-year solution: More precise weight management, especially controlling weight during winter

Finding 3: Race performance doesn’t match training numbers

• Cause: Poor TSB management (insufficient taper before races)
• Next-year solution: Begin systematic tapering 2 weeks before races, targeting TSB of +20 or higher

A Practical Framework for Next Year’s Goal Setting

SMART Goal Setting Example:

• Specific: Increase FTP from 305W to 325W
• Measurable: Use 20-minute testing, retest every 8 weeks
• Achievable: Reference this year’s 8.9% improvement, set a 6–7% target
• Relevant: Supports the 5.5-hour Wuling finish goal
• Time-bound: Achieve by the end of next season in October

Practical Recommendations

1. Keep a year-round training log: Record TSS, subjective feelings, and weather after every ride for more solid year-end analysis
2. Track weight trends with data: Weigh yourself at the same time each week (fasted, upon waking)—more objective than “feeling lighter”
3. Back up race data files: Remember to back up your .fit files from Garmin/Wahoo—they’re the best material for year-end analysis
4. Don’t stop training completely in winter: Maintain 2–3 Z2 sessions per week to keep CTL from dropping below 40
5. Get feedback from training partners: An outside perspective often reveals training blind spots you can’t see yourself

Conclusion

The end-of-season evaluation is the “annual settlement” of your training, turning every drop of sweat into meaningful numerical records. Taiwan offers abundant racing and climbing resources, with natural testing grounds like Wuling and Yangjin KOM every year. Systematically evaluating this year is what allows you to start from a higher point next year. Numbers don’t lie—quantify your progress, clarify your goals, and give next year’s training clearer direction.

Related Reading

• Seasonal Periodization for Power Training: Annual Plan from Winter Base → Spring Intensity → Summer Racing
• Post-Race Analysis and Goal Setting: Turning Every Race into a Stepping Stone for Progress
• The Complete Guide to Power Training: Systematic Progression from FTP Testing to Interval Training Methods
• Tracking Cycling Progress: Monthly Testing and Long-Term Trend Analysis