Severe-intensity constant work rate (CWR) cycling tests simulate the high-intensity competition environment and are useful for monitoring training progression and adaptation, yet impose significant physiological and psychological strain, require substantial recovery, and may disrupt athlete training or competition preparation. A brief, minimally fatiguing test providing comparable information is desirable.

Purpose: To determine whether physiological variables measured during, and functional decline in maximal power output immediately after, a 2-min CWR test can act as a proxy for 4-min test outcomes.

Methods: Physiological stress (V̇O₂ kinetics, heart rate, blood lactate concentrations ([La^-]_b)) was monitored and performance fatigability was estimated (as pre-to-post-CWR changes in 10-s sprint power) during 2- and 4-min CWR tests in 16 high-level cyclists (V̇O_2peak=64.4±6.0 ml∙kg^-1∙min^-1). The relationship between the 2- and 4-min CWR tests and the physiological variables that best relate to the performance fatigability were investigated.

Results: The 2-min CWR test evoked a smaller decline in sprint mechanical power (32% vs. 47%, p<0.001). Both the physiological variables (r=0.66-0.96) and sprint mechanical power (r=0.67-0.92) were independently and strongly correlated between 2- and 4-min tests. Differences in V̇O_2peak and [La^-]_b in both CWR tests were strongly associated with the decline in sprint mechanical power.

Conclusion: Strong correlations between 2- and 4-min severe-intensity CWR test outcomes indicated that the shorter test can be used as a proxy for the longer test. A shorter test may be more practical within the elite performance environment due to lower physiological stress and performance fatigability and should have less impact on subsequent training and competition preparation.