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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Physiological Profiling (Cycling)
A cycling fitness test will provide specific, individualised training advise to optimise or fine tune training and enhance performance for a particular sport or event.
The physiological profiling test allows individuals to assess their physical ability and identify thresholds to optimise training for their specific event. The test will measure the physiological factors important for endurance performance, such as blood lactate/ventilatory thresholds. This information can be used to monitor training adaptation and helps plan your training. In fact, it allows an accurate prescription of training zones to maximise race performance. The test will also establish maximal aerobic capacity, which is the bodies upper limit of endurance performance. Lastly, it establishes cycling efficiency, which is one of the most important functional abilities of a cyclist as it determines the amount of power that can be produced for a given oxygen cost and level of energy expenditure. So, if you want to track and optimise your endurance performance, this test is for you.
“The main benefit of this test is that it will help provide scientific structure to your training and reduce the risk of injury, illness, or overtraining. In short, it will help maximise training and enhance endurance performance. Following each testing session, you will be provided with:
- Training zones based on heart rate, power, and time.
- Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) determination.
- Cycling efficiency data.
- Carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates to tailor training and nutrition appropriately.
Your feedback report will include a section explaining the results. Values given will be compared to normative data and strengths and weaknesses highlighted dependent on your event and goals.”
The below details our standard cycling physiology test protocol, which upon request can be adapted based of your specific training/event demands.
The cycling test will involve a sub-maximal and maximal exercise test. During the test capillary blood samples will be taken from your fingertip or earlobe at the end of each stage, heart rate will be measured throughout, and expired air collected via a face mask. The duration of each stage (3-6 minutes) and increase in power output (15-35 watts) between stages will be based off your current fitness level and event demands. On average you will complete 6-8 stages during the submaximal test. The max test will involve a continuous ramp, with an increase in power output of 20 watts a minute until volitional exhaustion.
Anyone can access this service, from recreational to elite athletes who are trying to improve their preparation and performance for a specific sport or event. Endurance coaches often use this test to prescribe training intensity throughout a programme and to track changes in key physiological parameters.
• Single test is £300.
• £540 for two tests (20% discount on second assessment).
• Bespoke packages can be agreed via an online consultation.
Booking information
Please see the booking page for availability. Book a free consultation with one of our advisors and they will discuss your ambitions, context and event needs, helping establish which cycling protocol is best for you.
We are available for weekend testing if booking as part of a group (four or more assessments).
If you need additional help to understand if this sport science service is suitable for your needs, then please email us.
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work with industry experts
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![Daniel Snape staff profile image]()
Daniel Snape
Research Fellow / Carnegie School of SportDan is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sport & Exercise Physiology. His research interests include: Acclimation interventions for competition in thermally challenging environments; Exertion associated illnesses and heat stress; Performance and applied sport science.
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![Dr Barney Wainwright staff profile image]()
Dr Barney Wainwright
Senior Research Fellow / Carnegie School of SportDr Barney Wainwright is a Senior Research Fellow with 25 years of experience providing applied services to athletes and teams from recreational to Olympic level. He has expertise in endurance performance physiology, biomechanics, and fluid mechanics, with a focus on cycling, running, and canoeing.
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![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Professor John O'Hara
Professor John O'Hara is the Director of the Centre for Human Performance. He is an applied scientist with expertise in carbohydrate metabolism, endurance performance, environmental physiology and nutrition. John is an accredited sport scientist with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. He is a highly experienced applied sport scientist who has worked with amateur and professional athletes across sporting disciplines for many years.
work with industry experts
-
![Daniel Snape staff profile image]()
Daniel Snape
Research Fellow / Carnegie School of SportDan is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sport & Exercise Physiology. His research interests include: Acclimation interventions for competition in thermally challenging environments; Exertion associated illnesses and heat stress; Performance and applied sport science.
-
![Dr Barney Wainwright staff profile image]()
Dr Barney Wainwright
Senior Research Fellow / Carnegie School of SportDr Barney Wainwright is a Senior Research Fellow with 25 years of experience providing applied services to athletes and teams from recreational to Olympic level. He has expertise in endurance performance physiology, biomechanics, and fluid mechanics, with a focus on cycling, running, and canoeing.
-
![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Professor John O'Hara
Professor John O'Hara is the Director of the Centre for Human Performance. He is an applied scientist with expertise in carbohydrate metabolism, endurance performance, environmental physiology and nutrition. John is an accredited sport scientist with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. He is a highly experienced applied sport scientist who has worked with amateur and professional athletes across sporting disciplines for many years.
