Article Name

Critical Power/Speed - Foundation

September 16, 2026
Endurance

1. What is Critical Speed/Power?

Critical speed/power - is a mathematical model for predicting the MMSS (maximal metabolic steady state). So critical speed/power, represents the second threshold, and separates zone 2 (the heavy exercise intensity domain) from zone 3 (the severe exercise intensity domain).

Critical speed - is the term used in sports where speed, is used as a measurement of exercise intensity (running, swimming), whereas critical power - is the term used in sports where power, is used as a measurement of exercise intensity (biking, rowing).

However, crittixal speed/power should not be confused with a second term, the - “critical speed/power model”.

The Critical speed/power model suggests that there is a hyperbolic relationship between the duration of an all-out effort and the speed or power you can maintain for it. However this only applies to efforts ranging from 2 to 20 minutes. And the asymptote of the hyperbola is the critical speed/power.

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Onother concept to understand is D’ or W’.

D’ - is referred to as “distance-prime”. It determines how steeply the hyperbola curves upwards. D’ is measured in “meters”.

W’ - is referred to as “double-u-prime”. It determines how steeply the hyperbola curves upwards. W’ is measured in kJ (kilojoules).

So the D’/W’ is the curvature of the power–time relationship and it represents the “capacity” available above CP either in meters or kilojoules.

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Introduction: What Is Critical Power?

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The Mathematical Model Explained

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1. What is Critical Speed/Power?

Critical speed/power - is a mathematical model for predicting the MMSS (maximal metabolic steady state). So critical speed/power, represents the second threshold, and separates zone 2 (the heavy exercise intensity domain) from zone 3 (the severe exercise intensity domain).

Critical speed - is the term used in sports where speed, is used as a measurement of exercise intensity (running, swimming), whereas critical power - is the term used in sports where power, is used as a measurement of exercise intensity (biking, rowing).

However, crittixal speed/power should not be confused with a second term, the - “critical speed/power model”.

The Critical speed/power model suggests that there is a hyperbolic relationship between the duration of an all-out effort and the speed or power you can maintain for it. However this only applies to efforts ranging from 2 to 20 minutes. And the asymptote of the hyperbola is the critical speed/power.

‍

‍

Onother concept to understand is D’ or W’.

D’ - is referred to as “distance-prime”. It determines how steeply the hyperbola curves upwards. D’ is measured in “meters”.

W’ - is referred to as “double-u-prime”. It determines how steeply the hyperbola curves upwards. W’ is measured in kJ (kilojoules).

So the D’/W’ is the curvature of the power–time relationship and it represents the “capacity” available above CP either in meters or kilojoules.

‍

Introduction: What Is Critical Power?

‍

The Mathematical Model Explained

‍

‍

‍

Share
Copy Article URL

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