A few moments from the year that was. Beyond the podium pics, this is a glimpse into the process: the hard work, the data, the raw dedication, and all the ups and downs in between. Always a privilege to be part of it.
It still feels a bit surreal to say this… but I managed to retain the National Championship TT stripes last weekend. ⏱️🔴⚪️🔵
Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me on and off the bike – from family and friends to training partners, sponsors, and the Black Lab crew. None of this happens without you. 🙏
Racing is always about pushing limits, but also about community, growth, and enjoying the journey. Grateful to keep pedalling forward in these colours for another year. ❤️
#NationalChampion #TimeTrial #ParaCycling #BritishCycling #Grateful #BlackLabPerformanceCycling #ParaSport #C5 #CyclingLife #KeepPushing #Stripes
1️⃣ Critical Power (CP): More than just a threshold, it defines the boundary between sustainable steady-state efforts and unsustainable work that leads to rapid fatigue.
2️⃣ Multiple Models: From 2-point linear to 3-point nonlinear and all-out tests, each CP model has pros/cons depending on accuracy, athlete level, and test feasibility.
3️⃣ Time-to-Exhaustion (TTE): Training at CP extends TTE, building durability and resistance to fatigue, a factor that is crucial for endurance athletes.
4️⃣ W′ Explained: W′ represents the finite energy available above CP. Managing this reserve is key to designing effective interval training and pacing in competition.
5️⃣ Work/Rest Prescription: Interval design must consider both W′ depletion (work phase) and W′ recovery (rest phase). Recovery depends to the intensities maintained in both phases.
6️⃣ Durability Factor: Athletes with higher durability can sustain near-CP work longer without performance breakdown, showing the importance of CP-based endurance work.
7️⃣ Periodization: Strategic use of CP zones across training cycles - above CP for capacity, at CP for resistance, and below CP for aerobic base - creates balanced progression.
8️⃣ Multi-Metric Approach: Combining CP/W′ with lactate, HR, HRV, and subjective RPE provides a more reliable picture than any single metric.
9️⃣ Neuromuscular Contribution: CP isn’t only metabolic—neuromuscular efficiency and muscle recruitment patterns also shape performance above and below CP.
🔟 Practical Coaching: Translating CP theory into actionable workouts requires aligning physiology with sport-specific demands, athlete goals, and race profiles.
In the 27th episode of the "Endurance Round Table", on Thursday 27th of September I will have the honour of hosting on my page @alexwelburn , owner @theperformance_project 🤓
We'll be talking about #CriticalPower models for #cycling 🚵🏻♂️, giving some practical examples on how to optimize your #IntervalTraining session to improve #Performance 📈
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon for a science-based aperitif, ready to have a chat like at the bar among friends with lots of trivia! 🔜👀
@the_mehlman_delivers takes 3rd at @badlandscc 🏜️
Some races are about speed. Others are about survival!
At this year’s Badlands, @the_mehlman_delivers guided by Vekta coach Alex Welburn @theperformance_project took 3rd after 813 km, 15,075 m of climbing, and 41 hours of solo, unsupported racing across southern Spain 🤯
From the Sierra Nevada to the desert of Gorafe, Chris set his own terms, deliberate, controlled, and unshaken across some of the wildest terrain in Europe.
This was a ride built on control, not chaos. No spikes. No panic. No fade. Just measured output, smart effort distribution, and the kind of fatigue resistance that only shows up when you go all in 👊
A performance worth studying, and one that proves endurance isn’t just about who pushes hardest, but who manages best 🤝
Chapeau, @the_mehlman_delivers & @theperformance_project 👏
📸 @danhutchinsonphotoinc
#Vekta #Badlands #ChrisMehlman #ThePerformanceProject #Badlands2025 #UltraCycling #Gravel #EnduranceCycling #GravelRide #CyclingData #RaceData #dreambig
Podcast Episode 11 🎙️
Really pleased to finally release this episode with Alex from the Performance Project! Had this one in the vaults since April, sorry about that Alex!
This one is a super interesting dive into all things critical power and W Prime, with a look at new research coming up the road and how we can use tools to assist our performance.
Get ready to nerd out, we really get down in the weeds with this one and you'll certainly learn a lot about critical power and your work capacity above CP with this episode.
Link in bio 🔗
Always a nice feeling to have the first one out☝️.
it shaped the direction of the PhD nicely. Back to writing the thesis as it nearly finished and to submit the next paper! 📝
A great time presenting some of my PhD research at the cycling science conference in Lille a few weeks ago.
If anyone wants a copy drop me a line!
To top it off, my first PhD research project has been accepted for publication. With the PhD to be completed very soon, excited to see whats next!
