VO2max in cycling
Big engines, measured in watts. VO2max in cycling: elite and amateur values, power at VO2max, why absolute oxygen uptake matters on the flat and relative on climbs.
VO2max by level
On a bike, absolute VO2max (litres per minute) matters on flat roads; relative VO2max (per kg) matters on climbs.
Data table
| Level | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Untrained adults | 35–45 | 30–38 |
| Recreational cyclists | 45–55 | 38–46 |
| Amateur racers | 55–68 | 48–58 |
| Professional road | 70–85 | 60–75 |
What the sport demands
Our rating, 1–5Why VO2max matters in cycling
Because cycling is non-weight-bearing, riders can train many hours per week, which helps build very large aerobic capacities.
Power meters make VO2max intervals precise: work at roughly 105–120% of FTP for 3–5 minutes.
Sessions that raise it
5 × 4 min
Hard but even, ~106–120% FTP, 4 min easy spin.
30/15s
Blocks of 30 s hard / 15 s easy for 10–13 min, 2–3 sets.
Endurance ride
2–4 h steady and easy; most weekly volume.
General information, not medical advice. Get medical advice before hard intervals if you have a heart condition or symptoms such as chest pain.
Estimate your own number with the VO2max calculator and compare it with the norms for your age.
Sources
- Saltin B, Åstrand PO. Maximal oxygen uptake in athletes. J Appl Physiol, 1967.
- Seiler S. What is best practice for training intensity and duration distribution in endurance athletes? Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2010.
Ranges are typical lab values reported in the literature, rounded; individual athletes vary. Demand ratings are our editorial judgement.