Here’s a research-based, practical protocol for combined lactate/VO₂max testing for road cyclists, designed for accuracy, athlete safety, and efficiency. It aligns with current sports science consensus (e.g., studies by Faude, Kindermann, Skovereng, & Bourdon).
- Start Low: Avoids premature fatigue and captures LT1 (aerobic threshold).
- Progressive Steps: Enables clear lactate curve profiling.
- Optimal Stage Duration: 4 minutes balances metabolic stabilization (~95% VO₂ steady-state by 3 min) with test duration.
- Targeted Increments: Uses % of predicted FTP (pFTP) for accessibility.
- Termination Criteria: Ensures valid VO₂max and safety.
- Integrated Analysis: Combines lactate, gas exchange, and HR data.