Correlations between VO2max and performance times of recreational triathletes

Twenty-three recreational triathletes, 16 male and 7 female (mean = 21.7 yrs), performed max tethered swim (TS), cycle ergometer (CE), and treadmill run (TR) tests prior to participation in a competitive triathlon (0.91 km swim, 40 km cycle, 10 km run). The VO2max values on the TS, CE and TR were similar to those reported for trained athletes in each sport. As a group, cycling times were significantly correlated to both absolute (p less than 0.01) and relative (p less than 0.001) cycling VO2max (r = -0.57 and r = -0.78, respectively); running times significantly correlated with relative (p less than 0.001, r = -0.84) but not absolute (p greater than 0.05) running VO2max; and swimming times significantly correlated with absolute (p less than 0.01, r = -0.49) but not relative (p greater than 0.05) swimming VO2max. With the exception of absolute swim VO2max, the total performance times were significantly correlated to all VO2max values when expressed in both absolute and relative values. This study indicates the important role a moderately trained individual's aerobic power has in determining performances in endurance events such as the triathlon.