Specific Fitness Assessment in Endurance Cyclic Sports

The tests used to assess physical performance in endurance cyclic sports have been tested in procedures aimed at obtaining reference parameters on which to base training planning.

The following equipment is available to carry out this type of testing:

• Master Screen CPX gas analyser (Jager, Germany)
• Run Med treadmill (Technogym, Italy)
• Bike Med cycle ergometer (Technogym, Italy)
• 839E cycle ergometer (Monark, Sweden)
• Kickr indoor trainer (Wahoo, UK)
• Lactate Scout lactate analyser (Lactate Scout, Canada)

The assessment will be supervised throughout by a specialist technician/researcher (graduate in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences).

Once the assessment process has been completed, a report will be prepared covering all the variables analysed, together with recommendations on the aspects that should be improved to optimise performance.

This type of service is in demand among cyclists and runners of different ages and levels of sporting performance, from athletes at developmental stages to high-level performers. For these athletes, it is essential to assess their physical condition at different points throughout the season in order to determine the effects of the systematic training they are undertaking and optimise it accordingly. These assessments are accompanied by a technical report, which is provided to the athlete after completion of the testing protocol.

These tests can be requested either individually or by clubs or sports organisations interested in assessing their athletes’ endurance capacity, as well as their ability to adapt to and individualise training loads.

The battery of tests includes some tests that are widely validated in the scientific literature, allowing athletes’ performance to be compared using tests at the forefront of research into physical performance assessment in endurance cyclic disciplines such as running and cycling.

One of the main advantages of this specific fitness assessment is its ability to adapt and be individualised according to the profile of the athlete requesting the test. It is essential to tailor the tests performed to the aspects that determine performance in cycling or running and to the athlete’s stage of development.

Another advantage of this assessment is the provision of a technical report comparing the athlete’s performance with different benchmarks, such as athletes of the same age or competitive level, or with previous assessments of the same athlete. This provides detailed information on their physical performance in comparison with other athletes or at different points in the season.

The service is fully available and operational. The research group has extensive scientific experience, supported by numerous publications in international journals on physiology and performance in cyclic sports.

• Cyclists, Runners and Triathletes (Amateur and Professional).
• Sports Clubs and Federations for Endurance Sports.
• Sports Medicine and Comprehensive Healthcare Centres.
• Coaches and Strength and Conditioning Professionals Seeking a Scientific Basis for Their Training Plans.
• Sports Performance Development Schools.

Manuel Moya Ramón – University Institute for Research, Sports Research Centre