Testing for Masters Riders: Why Guessing Doesn’t Work After 40

Many riders train on feel or copy sessions from others. That can work for a while, but if you’re over 40, guessing your training zones or workload is one of the fastest ways to stall progress.

That’s where testing comes in.

Why Testing Matters More After 40

Your body doesn’t respond the same way it did in your 20s. Recovery takes longer, gains can come more slowly, and negative changes in fitness can happen more quickly. Without testing, you may be training too hard on easy days, or too easy on hard days — and either way, results plateau.

Testing shows you where you are today, so you can train at the right intensity tomorrow.

What Should You Test?

There are many ways to test cycling performance. The most common are:

  • FTP tests (20-minute or ramp-based) → useful for setting training zones.

  • MAP tests (maximal aerobic power) → especially valuable for identifying VO₂ capacity.

  • Shorter efforts (1–5 minutes) → reveal anaerobic power and fatigue resistance.

  • Lab tests (VO₂max, lactate) → gold standard, but not always accessible.

The right test depends on your goals — but the most important thing is doing it consistently, so you can track change over time.

How Often Should You Test?

For most masters riders, testing every 6–10 weeks works well. That’s long enough to adapt to training, but short enough to catch early plateaus before they turn into wasted months.

It also helps keep motivation high — nothing beats seeing progress on paper (or on screen).

A Personal Example

I’ve been measuring my own power since age 24, across 42 consecutive race seasons. That data isn’t just numbers — it’s what’s kept me improving, even at 56, where I’m the fittest I’ve ever been.

Every athlete I coach has their zones set from testing. It’s the foundation for structured, effective training. Without it, you’re guessing.

The Collective Advantage

Testing is only step one. The real key is knowing what to do with the results.

That’s why I created the CycleCoach Collective — a new way to give riders structure, accountability, and expert guidance, without needing full 1:1 coaching. Inside, I’ll guide you through testing, interpreting your results, and applying them to your training so you actually improve.

The Takeaway

If you’re over 40, stop guessing. Testing is the most effective way to know where you are and set up the next block of training.

👉 Want the bigger picture? Grab my free 6 Pillars of Performance for Masters Cyclists guide →.

Or, if you’re ready to train smarter with support and structure, join the CycleCoach Collective →.

Because after 40, guessing doesn’t work — but testing does.

👉 Ready to stop guessing and start training with precision?
Join the CycleCoach Collective → and get the structure, accountability, and support you need to keep improving after 40.

Founding members get access at the special launch rate of $75/month — available for a limited time.

Richard Stern