Evaluation of a Field Test to Assess Performance in Elite Cyclists

The study aimed to assess the reproducibility of power output during a 4 min (TT4) and a 20 min (TT20) time-trial and the relationship with performance markers obtained during a laboratory graded exercise test (GXT). Ventilatory and lactate thresholds during a GXT were measured in competitive male cyclists (n = 15; (V) over dotO(2max) 67 +/- 5 ml.min(-1).kg(-1); P(max) 440 +/- 38W). Two 4 min and 20 min time-trials were performed on flat roads. Power output was measured using a mobile power-meter (SRM). Strong intraclass-correlations for TT4 (r = 0.98; 95 % CL: 0.92-0.99) and TT20 (r = 0.98; 95 % CL: 0.95-0.99) were observed. TT4 showed a bias +/- random error of -0.8 +/- 23W or -0.2 +/- 5.5%. During TT20 the bias +/- random error was -1.8 +/- 14W or 0.6 +/- 4.4%. Both time-trials were strongly correlated with performance measures from the GXT (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between power output during TT4 and GXT measures (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between TT20 and power output at the second lactate-turn-point (LTP2) (p = 0.98) and respiratory compensation point (RCP) (p = 0.97). In conclusion, TT4 and TT20 mean power outputs are reliable predictors of aerobic endurance. TT20 was in agreement with power output at RCP and LTP2.