VO2max Test

What is it?
The VO2max Test is a stressful, semi-endurance based test that is carried out to exhaustion.  The test duration is obviously variable as the time taken is dependent of the aerobic capacity of the testing athlete, although they rarely last more than twelve minutes. 

More Information
To better understand the physiological issues this test addresses please read our VO2max Factsheet.

Why do I need it?
This test is used to determine an athlete's maximum anaerobic power output; from which sustainable power thresholds and VO2max can be extrapolated.  High VO2max and sustainable power outputs are vitally important in the quest for race victory.  Without a clear indication of what they are, improving them can be a hit and miss affair.

How to Prepare
This is an extreme test to the exhaustion of your physiological capabilities and places an enormous strain on your body.  It is vitally important to make sure you:

▼ are fully rested 
▼ are fully hydrated
▼ have had no hard rides for at least two days previous
▼ have not eaten for at least two hours previous
▼ have been of good health for at least four weeks
▼ have good motivation and morale
▼ are mentally prepared for the sustained effort required

The Test
A VO2max test is not pleasant but the result it provides give an excellent indicator to the physiological capacity and potential power output of an athlete.

There is no lactic reading taken in this test as the very nature of it will cause lactic levels to go off the scale!

Maintaining accurate power outputs and form early in the test is critical to the accuracy of the results.  When the last minute is not completed a calculation is made to extrapolate an accurate power output.

The Result
Formulae are used to determine the athletes maximum sustainable power output from their final interval.  From this further calculations can be made to provide an accurate VO2max result.  The only way to get a more accurate result is through a laboratory and being hooked up to a gas analyser.  Which is hideously expensive.

Contact us to book your Performance Evaluation and find out exactly what you're capable of.

What do I get? A performance evaluation takes 90 minutes of your time and three hours of mine.   Each flamme rouge Performance Evaluation gives you a the answers you need to your current fitness levels and the points on which you need to focus to reach your specific competition objectives.  In short, it's the best value for money investment you can make in your training and yourself.  All for less than the cost of a tub of energy drink! With each performance evaluation you get all of the below...

flamme rouge Performance Evaluation...
▼	an outcome specific endurance evaluation
▼	a ten page comprehensive evaluation assessment
▼	a peak expiratory flow test
▼	a forced expiratory flow test
▼	blood pressure measurement
▼	physiological analysis
▼	lifestyle/training audit
▼	wattage/heart rate/cadence/speed recording (min, max & avg)
▼	graphical review of performance evaluation
▼	performance comparison and overlay with previous evaluations
▼	blood lactate measurement and analysis
▼	vo2max (absolute & relative), FTP, and cycling economy calculations
▼	personalized heart and power zones
▼	recommended heart and power training intensities
▼	a photographic record of your evaluation
▼	an FTP w/kg  profile against all previous riders (over 300 records)
▼	a debrief at the end of the 90 minute athlete session
▼	a further 90 minutes evaluation preparation time from the coach