2 km Cycle Test
This is a test of aerobic fitness, an important component of endurance based and team sports. The 2-km cycle test is part of the eTID Talent Identification Testing Program for cycling, and their protocol is listed here. See also the 5km cycle ergometer test and the 40m cycle sprint.
2-km cycle test on the road test purpose: This test measures aerobic fitness and leg muscles endurance, as well as cycling technique.
equipment required: An appropriate 2km route (e.g. a road or velodrome), bicycle, stopwatch.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic subject information such as age, height, body weight, gender. Record the test conditions, such as the weather, wind and track surface, particularly if testing is performed outside. Record details of the bike used, and set up the seat and handlebars to suit the athlete. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: Using a bike of their choice, the subject is required to cover the 2km distance as fast as possible. The subject starts from a stationary start with their feet on the pedals with a person holding onto the subject. Begin on the signal ‘ready, start’. The tester should start the stopwatch as soon as they say ‘start’. Stop the timer when the subject crosses the finish line on completion of the 2km.
scoring: The total time to complete the course is recorded for each participant, in minutes and seconds.
advantages: large groups of athletes can be tested at once, and it is a very cheap and simple test to perform. If the test is conducted on a velodrome track, all the athletes will be in view throughout the test
disadvantages: Practice and pacing are required, and performance on this test can be affected greatly by motivation. If cycling around a velodrome track, you will be able to provide continual feedback on the time to help with pacing.
comments:
- To achieve the best result for this test, adequate practice and good pacing are required, and performance on this test can be affected greatly by motivation.
- If a velodrome track is not used, it is preferable to have a 1km out and back course to account for the effect of wind.
The Test in Action
- This test is part of the eTID Talent Identification Testing Program for cycling.
Similar Tests
- Cycle 12-minute test — cycle for maximum distance in 12 minutes
- The 5km cycle ergometer test
Related Pages
- Fitness tests for cyclists
- Cycling Fitness Tests, assessments involving cycling exercise
- About the eTID Talent Identification Testing Program.
- ETID Fitness Testing for Cycling
- Comparison of Cycle Ergometers
- Other aerobic tests, and all fitness test list
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