Peak power output predicts maximal oxygen uptake and performance time in trained cyclists

Summary The purposes of this study were firstly to determine the relationship between the peak power output (W_peak) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) attained during a laboratory cycling test to exhaustion, and secondly to assess the relationship betweenW_peak and times in a 20-km cycling trial. One hundred trained cyclists (54 men, 46 women) participated in the first part of this investigation. Each cyclist performed a minimum of one maximal test during whichW_max andVO_2max were determined. For the second part of the study 19 cyclists completed a maximal test for the determination ofW_peak, and also a 20-km cycling time trial. Highly significant relationships were obtained betweenW_peak andVO_2max (r=0.97,P<0.0001) and betweenW_peak and 20-km cycle time (r= –0.91,P<0.001). Thus,W_peak explained 94% of the variance in measuredVO_2max and 82% of the variability in cycle time over 20 km. We concluded that for trained cyclists, theVO_2max can be accurately predicted fromW_peak, and thatW_peak is a valid predictor of 20-km cycle time.