I have automatic threshold detection turned on. After every ride Athletica wants to push my bike CP down. I do not think it has dropped recently, but I do think my training is more focussed on Z2 and short Z4/5 intervals. Based on this is the automatic detection of any value or do I need to do more FTP test like sessions. And if so, why does Athletica not describe them to me?
Same kind of question applies to running also.
Good question. Athletica wanted to bump my CP to 315 watts based on my latest workout. It included a 10-km virtual race which took a little over 13 minutes with an average of 324 watts. But I just know my threshold is below 300 watts (set it manually to 290 after the workout). Maybe the average heart rate for the race duration (which was indeed about threshold value) distorted the estimate, but obviously that average came with a significant drift and HR went way above threshold at the end, even though I paced especially the latter half evenly.
Interesting question, @Antonie, and thanks for the input, @kajet!
The thresholds (like CP for cycling or CS for running) are updated on-the-fly. This means your cycling power or running speed profiles refresh with each new session. If you record a “new” max effort—or what the algorithm identifies as such—your threshold adjusts accordingly.
Great point, @Antonie: is CP shifting due to a lack of supra-CP efforts, or a sign of deconditioning? Athletica keeps your “max” efforts for 6 months, so any outdated efforts no longer impact your thresholds. This way, your profile reflects your current abilities, balancing between frequent testing and accurate updates.
As for HR, good observation, @kajet. However, HR doesn’t impact the raw power or speed thresholds.
PS: I’m pretty sure you already know this, but you can read more on this blog post.
@Andrea: Thanks that helps a lot. My last FTP was a while ago and when updating the plan I skipped test week. In order not to get faulty suggestions best thing to do is make sure there is a test week every six months? Is there a way to tell Athletica I want to do a test easily? Maybe add a standard “test” tab to the workout wizard or have them in the library by default if there is no easy way now.
Yes, @Antonie, that would be indeed a good solution. We had to find the best trade-off because not everyone likes to test very frequently. Having a test session that you can include in the plan to replace a high-intensity session is one of the goals we have in mind.
You can save those tests into your library and pull them out every 6 months or so.
You could even write a note for yourself (hit that plus sign) so you don’t forget. 
Agree…
But then you need them to show up in your plan somewhere first. I did save my bike and swim test a while ago, but never the running test.
They should still be in your plan when you started (2nd week) unless you deleted it. You could just also create your own - 5K TT - and schedule it. Or generate a new plan.
MJ