Reproducibility of outdoor flat and uphill cycling time trials and their performance correlates with peak power output in moderately trained cyclists.

The aims of the present study were firstly to examine the reproducibility of outdoor flat and uphill cycling time trials (TT), and secondly to assess the relationship between peak power output (Wpeak) obtained in the laboratory and outdoor cycling performance in moderately trained cyclists. Eight competitive male cyclists first performed a progressive cycle ergometer test in the laboratory to determine Wpeak (W). Thereafter, they performed three 36 km TT (TT36) on a flat course on separate days and at the same time of the day. On a different day, they also performed three 1.4 km uphill TT (TT1.4) in a single day. The coefficient of variation (CV) values across three TT36 and TT1.4 ranged from 1.1 - 1.4% and 2.6 - 2.9%, for performance time (min) and mean power (W), respectively. The correlation between absolute Wpeak (W) obtained in the laboratory and mean power during TT36 and TT1.4 was 0.90 (p < 0.01) and 0.98 (p < 0.01), respectively. Absolute Wpeak (W) correlated significantly with performance time in TT36 (r = -0.72, p < 0.05) but not in TT1.4 (r = -0.52, p > 0.05). The correlation between relative Wpeak (W·kg(-1)) and performance time in TT36 and TT1.4 was r = -0.65 (p > 0.05) and r = -0.91 (p < 0.01), respectively. In conclusion, under stable environmental conditions, performance time and mean power are highly reproducible in moderately trained cyclists during outdoor cycling TT. Laboratory determined absolute Wpeak (W) may predict cycling performance on a flat course but relative Wpeak (W·kg(-1)) is a better predictor of performance during uphill cycling. Key PointsUnder stable environmental conditions, performance time and mean power are highly reproducible in moderately trained cyclists during outdoor flat and uphill cycling time trials.Laboratory determined peak power output (Wpeak) (W) may predict cycling performance on a flat course.Laboratory determined relative Wpeak (W·kg(-1)) is a better predictor of performance during uphill cycling.