Our 2026 roster geared up for the new season with a visit to the Human Powered Health Performance Lab in Wellesley, MA for key baseline tests and data collection.
These are the eight tests the team underwent to get the firing on all cylinders in 2026.
1. Resting Metabolic Rate
Calculates calories burned at rest and fuel mix (fat vs. carbs) to tailor nutrition plans that support optimal energy availability during rides.
2. Lactate Threshold Test
Determines lactate threshold by measuring blood lactate levels at various stages to fine-tune training intensities, establish power zones, and optimize endurance performance.
3. Grip Strength
Assesses forearm and hand strength, crucial for improving bike control, especially on long or technical rides. Grip strength also provides insights into overall strength, physical performance, and potential longevity.
4. DXA Scan
Offers a detailed body composition breakdown, providing insights into lean mass and fat distribution to guide training and nutrition. The scan offers insights to guide training and nutrition. Understanding bone density is particularly valuable for cyclists at higher risk for low bone density due to the non-weight-bearing nature of cycling, helping to inform injury prevention strategies.
5. Force Plate Analysis
Measures lower body power, symmetry, and landing forces to identify imbalances and optimize pedal stroke efficiency, strength, and injury prevention.
6. TrueStrength Analysis
Evaluates isometric force and explosive power in key muscle groups, enhancing stability, posture, and power transfer in cycling.
7. VO2max Test
Measures maximum oxygen uptake and provides heart rate training zones, allowing cyclists to improve endurance training and gauge aerobic fitness specific to cycling.
8. Anaerobic Power
A maximum effort designed to measure peak power output, sustained power, and fatigue rate. This test offers insights into a cyclist’s anaerobic capacity. Analyzing these metrics helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, aiding in targeted training adjustments to enhance speed and power output.
9. Functional Movement Screening
Movement Screening analyzes movement patterns through looking at range of motion at each joint and checking for symmetry to help determine how you can become more efficient and reduce the risk of injury.
The Lab
“It was brilliant having the team back in the lab,” said Therese Hammerschmith, Human Powered Health Performance Director. “The team bonding we witnessed is fantastic, and the time together set the tone and got us excited for the upcoming year. Over the years, we have developed a great relationship with the riders and staff, which makes it that much more fun to cheer the team on during the season. It is an honor to partner with a cycling team that cares so much about its athletes.”
At the lab, testing is conducted by Master’s & PhD-level performance physiologists, with the data gathered helping coaches build a well-rounded view of the roster as humans as well as athletes. These data-driven insights help our athletes reach their full health and performance potential.
“By gathering comprehensive baselines and periodic re-tests, we give coach Callum McQueen and the cycling leadership team clear, individualized data. This is used to shape each riders ramp-back plans from the offseason,” explains Hammerschmith. “Equally important, we prioritize each rider’s overall health and long-term wellbeing, using lab insights to balance load, monitor risk, and prevent overtraining. We translate individual insights into a team-wide view of strengths and areas for improvement, informing group sessions, training camps, race selection, and in-season adjustments. This is an ongoing partnership: the lab provides objective feedback, the cycling staff apply it on the road, and together we keep refining the plan to help the team perform at their best.”
To learn more about the lab and schedule your own visit, choosing from a deep a la carte menu of services, visit humanpoweredhealth.com
