The intensity rather than the quantity of prior work determines the subsequent downward shift in the power duration relationship in professional cyclists.

To determine whether the intensity of prior work is an important contributing factor to the downward shift in the power‐duration relationship. Data were collected from 14 professional cyclists (height 176.3 cm ± 7, body mass 67.3 kg ± 5, CP, 5.3 W·kg−1 ± 0.21). Participants conducted a power profile test three times consisting of a 15s, a 3 min and a 12 min maximal effort trial utilizing a standardized climb. On the first occasion, the power profile test was conducted in a fresh state (Fresh), the subsequent power profile tests were conducted after two different fatiguing protocols: ∼2000 kJ of work at <70% of CP (low‐intensity continuous (LIC)) and following a novel fatiguing protocol consisting of 5 × 8 min at 105%–110% of CP (HI). Participants conducted significantly less work in HI compared with LIC, however, 1 and 15s power were significantly lower post‐HI than LIC. The 3‐min power output was significantly lower post‐HI than Fresh but not significantly lower in LIC than Fresh. The 12‐min power output and CP were not significantly different between conditions. These findings demonstrate the importance of the intensity of prior work in the resultant downward shift in the power‐duration relationship, especially for shorter‐duration efforts and suggest that the total amount of work done is alone not sufficient to describe prior work. Highlights: Professional cyclists demonstrate different levels of durability dependent upon the intensity of prior work.Total work is not sufficient to quantify prior work when assessing durability.It is possible to differentiate between professional cyclists by their degree of durability to prior work including work above the critical power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]