There are various ways to measure the cycling performance but the two most common methods are laboratory and mechanical testing. There are lots of things that go on in professional cycling.

Graph

Without any interference of gas analyzing equipment with the cycling performance, Maximal oxygen Uptake(VO2max) can be determined easily in liters per minute from Wmax, using the regression equation proposed by Hawley and Noakes(1992)

VO2max=).01141*Wmax+).435

Blood Lactate can be obtained from blood samples (25 micro liters) taken from a hyperemized earlobe after each workload. Lactate measurements are done in these samples. When lactate concentrations are plotted against the exercise intensity, the graph of lactate curve is obtained. The LT is identified on each cyclist’s Blood Lactate concentration-power output plot as the exercise intensity that obtains a one mmol per liter increase in Blood Lactate concentration. The exercise intensity that corresponds to the OBLA is identified on the Blood Lactate concentration power output curve by straight-line interpolation between the two closest points as the exercise intensity obtaining a BL concentration of 4 mmol per liter.

Wind tunnel testing is used in routine testing by most of the cycling teams. The cyclist’s drag coefficient can be determined. This is also known as aerodynamic efficiency coefficient or Cx. This is the proposed measure of aerodynamic efficiency.

The endurance level of a cyclist depends on oxygen uptake or VO2max and a high lactate threshold or WOBLA. VO2 max determines the maximum work that can be performed. The lactate threshold decides on the cardiovascular capacity. Endurance is calculated using the formula

VO2max *LT

This gives rise to efficiency, which is nothing, but the percentage of energy used up by the body in the form of mechanical work.

Work Energy=Mechanical work/energy used

Mechanical work can be measured using ergometer. Energy used by the body with respect to its oxygen consumption at submaximal workloads could be measured. The oxygen consumed can be converted to a standard measure of energy like calories. Same can be done for work.

Work/time =power

Power is measured in watts and it is the measure of workload intensity.

The mechanical testing on roads is Why Fitness Testing Is Important for a Cyclists done in the form of road races. This is a mass start endurance event, which lasts for 2 to 3hours. Here the cyclists are tested on a variety of terrains ranging from leveled roads to uphill terrains and even on filthy surfaces like dirty roads. This way individual performance can be monitored and fitness regime can be improved.

SRM Bike Test

Thanks for photos from sports-coaching.com