The Problem With FTP Tests (And What a Real Metabolic Test Looks Like)

Most cyclists base their training on FTP. Most coaches use FTP to set training zones. And according to the science — and Sebastian Weber — that's a problem. In this live session, Sebastian Weber (WorldTour cycling coach, INSCYD founder) guides a group of athletes through a full metabolic test using the INSCYD × Velocity integration — and explains exactly why FTP-based training zones leave performance on the table. What you'll see in this session: → Why the FTP 20-minute test is scientifically unreliable for setting training zones → How VLamax (glycolytic power) and VO2max are measured with lab-level accuracy — no lab required → Why zone 2 training should be based on FatMax, not arbitrary percentages of FTP → How the INSCYD × Velocity integration automates the entire testing workflow — from athlete execution to metabolic profile delivery → Live Q&A: altitude testing, pacing strategies, running protocols, data handling, and more This test has been peer-reviewed and validated against metabolic cart testing. Same accuracy. No mask. No lab. — 🔬 What is the INSCYD × Velocity integration? Athletes complete a structured indoor metabolic test inside the Velocity app — guided by Sebastian Weber. Data transfers automatically into INSCYD and generates a complete 360° metabolic profile instantly. No manual uploads. No supervision required. No file corrections. Coaches and labs can now offer metabolic testing at scale — without adding hours to their week. — 📊 What metabolic data do you get from this test? VO2max — maximum aerobic capacity, validated at lab level VLamax — glycolytic power; the metric that explains why some athletes plateau despite high fitness MLSS / Lactate Threshold — your real threshold, not an FTP proxy FatMax — the intensity at which fat oxidation peaks; the scientific basis for zone 2 training Carbohydrate combustion rates — precision fueling data across all intensities — ⏱ What's covered in this session: 0:00 – Introduction & session overview 1:07 – Warm-up begins: protocol structure explained 2:17 – What VLamax is and why it's not just "higher is better" 4:08 – What VO2max is and why 4 & 8 minute efforts measure it 7:40 – Why seated sprints? The biomechanics explained 8:51 – Lactate transport: why the second interval always feels easier 11:08 – Peer-reviewed validation: same accuracy as a metabolic cart 13:09 – Why zone 2 should be based on FatMax, not FTP percentages 15:28 – Sprint 1: live all-out effort + coaching cues 23:30 – FatMax science: fat burning as an aerobic stimulus 25:32 – Sprint 2: second all-out effort 27:42 – How INSCYD × Velocity handles data automatically 29:14 – Two ways to run testing: live coached or self-guided 35:52 – 4-minute effort begins: pacing strategy with Robbie McEwen 40:20 – Redundant data explained: why two efforts per metric 48:47 – Why the FTP 20-minute test doesn't hold up scientifically 49:51 – 8-minute effort begins: Tour de France prologue pacing 58:03 – VO2max as the #1 longevity and performance marker 1:01:44 – Why training should be based on physiology, not power output 1:07:00 – How to connect INSCYD × Velocity: API key setup — 🚀 Want to offer automated metabolic testing in your coaching business or lab? Book a free demo → https://inscyd.com/demo Learn more about the INSCYD × VQ Velocity integration → https://inscyd.com/velocity -- 💬 Coach or sports scientist? Drop your biggest question about metabolic testing in the comments — Sebastian answers. #endurancecoaching #VO2max #FTPtest #zone2training #INSCYD TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Introduction & session overview 1:07 – Warm-up begins: protocol structure explained 2:17 – What VLamax is and why higher isn't always better 4:08 – VO2max explained: why 4 & 8 minute efforts work 7:40 – Seated sprints: the biomechanics reason 8:51 – Lactate transport: why interval 2 always feels easier 11:08 – Peer-reviewed validation vs metabolic cart testing 13:09 – Why zone 2 training should be based on FatMax 15:28 – Sprint 1: live all-out effort 23:30 – FatMax science: fat burning as aerobic stimulus 25:32 – Sprint 2: second all-out effort 27:42 – INSCYD × Velocity: automated data handling explained 29:14 – Live coached vs self-guided testing options 35:52 – 4-minute effort: pacing strategy with Robbie McEwen 40:20 – Why two efforts per metric: redundancy explained 48:47 – Why the FTP 20-minute test falls short scientifically 49:51 – 8-minute effort: Tour de France prologue pacing 58:03 – VO2max as the #1 longevity marker 1:01:44 – Why train on physiology, not just power 1:07:00 – How to connect INSCYD × Velocity via API