Cape Town Lab
World-class performance testing, biomechanical bike fitting and endurance coaching — at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa.
The Sports Science Institute of South Africa
Science to Sport's Cape Town lab is based within the Sports Science Institute of South Africa — one of Africa's foremost sports science research and testing facilities. The SSISA provides the institutional infrastructure and clinical standards that underpin the quality of our testing protocols.
Working from within SSISA gives our athletes access to the same testing environment used by national sporting bodies, elite programmes and world-class researchers — with the added benefit of S2S's proprietary coaching and biomechanics methodology layered on top.
Cycling Performance Tests
Each test is conducted on your own bike on our calibrated ergometer. Height, weight and body composition are recorded at every session.
Complete Metabolic Profile
90 minA combined Fat Max and LAA assessment. Determines whether your training interventions have been successful and defines the precise intensities targeting both fat oxidation and carbohydrate pathways.
Complete Metabolic Profile / VO₂ Max Combo
90 minOur most comprehensive cycling performance assessment. A full Metabolic Profile followed by the VO₂ Max test after a short recovery break. Provides a complete picture of your performance physiology.
- VO₂ Max & peak power output
- Fat oxidation zones (Fat Max)
- Lactate threshold & training zones
- Metabolic efficiency at each intensity
- Carbohydrate vs fat contribution curves
- Detailed PDF report with zone prescriptions
VO₂ Max Test
90 minMaximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ Max), peak power output (PPO) and metabolic thresholds are strongly associated with endurance performance and can be used to quantify training adaptations. After a self-paced warm up, the test increases at a constant rate until exhaustion.
Fat Max Test
90 minTraining at the correct intensity ensures the majority of energy is derived from fat. The Fat Max test determines the zone where fat oxidation rates are maximal — a key metric for endurance and body composition goals.
Lactate Accumulation Test (LAA)
90 minThe LAA determines the training intensity at which lactate rises above baseline but remains sustainable for prolonged durations. Targeting this zone can produce a positive shift in your lactate curve.
Running Performance Tests
Treadmill-based running tests conducted with gas-exchange monitoring. The same evidence-based protocols as cycling, adapted for running physiology.
Complete Metabolic Profile
90 minThe full running metabolic assessment. Combines Fat Max and LAA protocols on the treadmill to define your optimal training zones for both fat oxidation and threshold adaptation.
Complete Profile / PTS / VO₂ Max Combo
90 minOur most comprehensive running assessment — a complete Metabolic Profile followed by the Peak Run Speed / VO₂ Max test. Full picture of running performance physiology in a single session.
- VO₂ Max & peak treadmill speed
- Fat oxidation zones
- Lactate threshold & training zones
- Detailed PDF report with zone prescriptions
PTS / VO₂ Max Test
80 minVO₂ Max, peak running speed (PRS) and metabolic thresholds are strongly linked to running performance and are reliable markers for tracking training adaptations. An incremental treadmill test to exhaustion with full gas-exchange recording.
Fat Max Test
80 minDetermines the running intensity at which fat oxidation is maximal. Critical for marathon, ultra-endurance and Ironman athletes targeting optimal fuelling strategy and body composition adaptations.
Lactate Accumulation Test
80 minDefines the running pace at which lactate remains sustainably elevated — the key target zone for threshold training. A positive shift in the lactate curve is the hallmark of improved aerobic fitness.
ErgoFiT
Bike Fitting
Our proprietary ErgoFiT methodology is used by WorldTour professionals and age-group athletes alike. Four tiers — one for every need and budget.
All disciplines catered for
- Interview & individual measurements
- ErgoFiT predictive algorithm
- 6-point digital optimisation
- Electronic fit report
- Everything in Basic ErgoFiT
- Leg length discrepancy correction
- Foot alignment & cleat positioning
- 2D kinematics — stability assessment
- Gebiomized saddle pressure mapping
- Everything in Advanced ErgoFiT
- Full-body 3D kinematics (STT system)
- Joint angle & stability analysis
- Complete position optimisation
Medical Fit
120 minThese consultations include an assessment of injuries and unique intrinsic factors that may have contributed to the injury, as well as prescribed exercises and stretching. Using principles incorporated in the Professional Fit, your bike fit is comprehensively evaluated. A portion of this consultation can be claimed from medical aid.
- Full Professional Fit protocol
- Injury & intrinsic factor assessment
- Prescribed exercises & stretching
- Clinician-supervised throughout
- Portion claimable from medical aid
Strength & Body Composition
Targeted assessment of strength, movement quality and body composition — to guide training, track adaptation, and reduce injury risk.
Skinfolds
20 minSkinfold measurements estimate body-fat percentage by measuring subcutaneous fat thickness at standardised anatomical sites with callipers, entered into validated equations to estimate body composition.
Coaches & Scientists at Cape Town
Our Cape Town lab is led by coaches and sport scientists with doctoral qualifications and careers at the highest levels of professional sport.
Performance Co-ordinator, Pinarello Q36.5
Head of Performance, UAE Team Emirates XRG
Head of Performance, UAE Team L’imad
Ready to train with
purpose?
Book a performance test, bike fit or coaching consultation at the S2S Cape Town lab. Our team will confirm availability and match you with the right session.
Questions? Email us at info@sciencetosport.com