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Know your physiology.
Lab-based metabolic testing for cyclists, runners and triathletes. VO₂ Max, lactate profiling, and fat oxidisation assessments at two world-class facilities — SSISA in Cape Town and our Girona lab.
Data your power meter can't give you
Cycling, running and triathlon are data-rich sports. But understanding what's happening inside your body — how you metabolise fuel, where your thresholds sit, and how your aerobic ceiling compares to your potential — requires laboratory-grade equipment and staff who know how to interpret the results.
Using state-of-the-art Cosmed metabolic carts with Lactate Plus analysers, our sport scientists deliver precise, repeatable assessments that translate directly into better training prescriptions. A detailed metabolic report is supplied with every test.
Cycling Performance Tests
Each cycling test is performed on a Wahoo KICKR smart trainer with your own bike, eliminating the biomechanical variables that come with using an unfamiliar setup. Height, weight and body fat percentage are measured before every session.
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.
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
Running Performance Tests
The same metabolic testing protocols, adapted for runners. Tests are performed on an FFiTTech (Girona) and Viasys (Cape Town) treadmills with gas-exchange analysis via Cosmed metabolic cart. Available at both our Cape Town and Girona labs.
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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.
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
Strength & Body Composition
Targeted assessment of strength, movement quality and body composition — to guide training, track adaptation, and reduce injury risk.
S&C Assessment
60 minA strength and conditioning assessment evaluates physical capacity, movement quality and neuromuscular function to identify strengths, weaknesses and injury risk, guiding an individualised training programme.
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.
Two labs. Same protocols.
Choose your location for full pricing, available tests, and booking.
Ready to test?
Cape Town and Girona. Two labs, same protocols, same precision.