Aim: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) cycling protocols usually require expensive laboratory ergometers where the athlete is unaccustomed to the cycling position. Recently, we developed a VO2max speed-ramped protocol with an indoor cycling simulator (Cateye Windtrainer WT) allowing cyclists to use their own bicycles during the VO2max test. The aim of this study was to test the validity of the WT protocol by comparing it with a traditional (TD) resistance-ramped protocol using an electronically braked ergometer. In addition, the retest reliability of the WT protocol was also determined. Methods: Twenty experienced cyclists randomly completed 6 V.O2max protocols consisting of one familiarization trial and two tests on the WT and TD protocols. Results:There were minimal differences in maximal oxygen uptake values between protocols (WT 64.1±7.1, TD 63.3±7.4 mL/kg/min). The variability in the difference of the means between the two protocols was 0.8 mL/kg/min (95% confidence interval CI: -0.26-2.02), the coefficient of variation (CV) was 2.8% (95%CI: 2.2-4.2%) and the interclass correlation was r=0.94 (P<0.01; 95%CI: 0.86-0.98). The intratest difference within the WT protocol was 1.5% (95%CI: -1.9-5%), CV=5.3% (95%CI: 4.1-8%) and the retest correlation was r=0.81 (P<0.01; 95%CI: 0.57-0.92). Conclusion: The WT speed-ramped protocol is a valid and reliable method to assess VO2max.
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