Ramp test protocol?

[postal_bag]

I have a ramp test scheduled to be performed (I don't really see the point of it since my training levels are based on FTP), but it's sort of a 'team' thing...

Anyway the test calls for an increase of 20 w every 2 minutes until failure.

Is there anything specific I should be able to deduce from my results? I'm thinking that failure might occur right about when VO2 max power is reached, or shortly thereafter?

 

[Roadie_scum]

I have a ramp test scheduled to be performed (I don't really see the point of it since my training levels are based on FTP), but it's sort of a 'team' thing...

Anyway the test calls for an increase of 20 w every 2 minutes until failure.

Is there anything specific I should be able to deduce from my results? I'm thinking that failure might occur right about when VO2 max power is reached, or shortly thereafter?

There is a ramp protocol in a paper by Hawley I think from 1990 or 1991 and they also published a formula for converting the average power in the last minute of the test to VO2max. I think there are other tests where this info should be available (Ric's test has his zones published based on a protocol he uses which can give you a good idea about training levels).

 

[rmur17]

I have a ramp test scheduled to be performed (I don't really see the point of it since my training levels are based on FTP), but it's sort of a 'team' thing...

Anyway the test calls for an increase of 20 w every 2 minutes until failure.

Is there anything specific I should be able to deduce from my results? I'm thinking that failure might occur right about when VO2 max power is reached, or shortly thereafter?

I've done the CCA ramp test which is close to that: 30W every 3 minutes or an average ramp rate of 10W/min. My last step was pretty close to what I've since estimated as Vo2max (5-min) power. I started at 150W. I believe this ramp rate is intended to achieve Vo2max power in the last step but of course there are errors associated with any such estimate.

The RST/BCF ramp test for non-elite (males only?) is 25W/min starting around 150W. Seeing the ramp rate is 2.5 times both the CCA and your test, it will yield a higher average power over the last step and for me was well over my estimated Vo2max power (some 50-60W).

 

[Alex Simmons]

I have a ramp test scheduled to be performed (I don't really see the point of it since my training levels are based on FTP), but it's sort of a 'team' thing...

Anyway the test calls for an increase of 20 w every 2 minutes until failure.

Is there anything specific I should be able to deduce from my results? I'm thinking that failure might occur right about when VO2 max power is reached, or shortly thereafter?

Two other things I can think of:
(I used to do the 20W/2 min ramp before moving to MAP tests)

1. You can see you mean maximal power/weight ratio in comparison to your mates since you are all doing the same test

2. You can see how you perform in the same test when repeated a 2nd, 3rd time etc. If the test protocol remains the same (including preparation leading up to test), then you'll have a good guide as to whether you are improving (it may not be the only marker and a single test can be a little dangerous to rely on at times).