Previous studies of cycling power output have typically been conducted on cycle ergometers, which cannot control the cadence or inertial properties. Therefore, nine female adults (mean age 21.2 ± 0.9 y) each completed five different all out short-term cycle sprint tests. The first test consisted of an isokinetic force-velocity test to determine the optimal pedal cadence (
$C_{opt}$
) at which maximum peak power was recorded.
$C_{opt}$
was determined by seven sprints of 6 s duration and interspersed by a five minute rest. Power-cadence data produces a known parabola curve whose apex represents
$C_{opt}$
. Thereafter, and on separate days and randomly chosen, three isokinetic cycle tests of 30 s duration at three different cadences 90 and 150 rev·min
$^{-1}$
, at optimal cadence(
$C_{opt}$
) and a traditional 30 s Wingate test (WAnT) against a pre-set load of 0.09 kg · kg
$^{-1}$
body mass were performed. Oxygen uptake throughout the latter four tests was obtained. Measures of maximal power (
$P_{max}$
), mean power over 30 s(MP30 s) and � O
$_2$
were recorded. The optimal cadence was 114 ± 6 rev ·min
$^{-1}$
. The
$P_{max}$
for
$C_{opt}$
(694 ± 111 W) was found to be significantly higher compared to 150 rev · min
$^{-1}$
and WAnT (555 ± 144 and 629 ± 132 W respectively, p<0.05). For MP30 s the 150 rev·min
$^{-1}$
maximal sprint (251 ± 96 W) was found to be significantly lower compared to the
$C_{opt}$
and WAnT (462 ± 76 and 440 ± 80 W respectively, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for � O
$_2 $
between any of the tests (P > 0.05). In conclusion, these results demonstrate the importance of the optimal cadence in maximising the
$P_{max}$
score compared to other pre-set cadences.
