The results are in (and yes, pictures say a lot!)

Last week, Jeroen and I went to Cyclinglab in Amsterdam for our baseline fitness tests. With Cape Epic 2026 still short of 7 months away and our goal of finishing top 20 in the Masters category, we figured it was time to face the music and know where to focus on in our training. Keep in mind that the Cape Epic is a duo race, so reaching an equal fitness level is a goal as well.

The results were about what I expected. Jeroen's stronger than me. The question was: by how much?

The Setup

Both tests followed the same protocol: starting at 120 watts and ramping up by 30 watts every six minutes until we couldn't pedal another revolution. Blood lactate samples were taken at each step, along with heart rate, core temperature, and muscle oxygenation measurements. It sounds more scientific than it feels when you're gasping for air in the final stages.

The Power Numbers

So here's the key numbers:

Jeroen's numbers:

• Aerobic threshold: 220W (2.7 W/kg)
• Anaerobic threshold: 270W (3.3 W/kg)
• Maximum power: 323W (3.9 W/kg)

My numbers:

• Aerobic threshold: 190W (2.3 W/kg)
• Anaerobic threshold: 230W (2.8 W/kg)
• Maximum power: 280W (3.4 W/kg)

Jeroen's putting out 40 watts more than me at threshold. That's the difference between keeping up and watching him disappear on climbs rather quickly. Those five years in Girona weren't just for show, this is where they pay off! And yes, in my defense, I've never properly biked nor trained structurally. But still...

What was interesting though is my lactate tolerance. The consultant seemed genuinely surprised by how well I handled high lactate levels, especially for a 45-year-old. His exact words: "You can ride in the red, and you can ride in the red for long." I was still functioning at 16.4 mmol/L at maximum effort, which apparently most riders can't handle. At least I left that lab feeling positive about one thing ;-)

What the climbing predictions show

The lab calculated our estimated times for some well-known climbs:

Alpe d'Huez (13.9km, 7.9% average):

• Jeroen: 72 minutes
• Me: 84 minutes

That's a 12-minute gap on one climb. In Cape Epic, where stages have multiple long ascents, that difference adds up quickly. We'll need to figure out how to race together effectively with that kind of gap. And more importantly, how to close that gap as good as it gets before we arrive in South-Africa on March 13, 2026.

Where we stand

Cyclinglab rates cyclists across eight levels. Jeroen lands in the "Amateur" category with his anaerobic threshold power, while I'm between "Sports Class" and "Amateur." Both are decent levels for weekend warriors, but when you're aiming for top 20 against guys like Karl Platt, we've got some ground to cover. And some more.

Body composition

The body composition numbers show another gap:

Jeroen: 18.1% body fat, 21.5 BMI Me: 21.1% body fat, 23.9 BMI

Jeroen's leaner and has a better power-to-weight ratio. And although my BMI is still within the normal 20-25 range, my extra few kilos don't help when you're climbing mountains. But I have a goal there, and I am not so worried I won't be quite a bit leaner in 6 months. I'll share that in an upcoming blog.

Different conclusions, different paths

The lab's feedback was telling. Jeroen's report concluded with "Strong first test!" and focused on improving recovery between hard efforts. My report was more diplomatic: "Good first test!" with the recommendation to focus on "long, steady endurance training" to build my aerobic base.

Translation: Jeroen needs to fine-tune his engine, while I need to build a (much) bigger one.

What this means for our training

These numbers have forced us to confront some uncomfortable truths about our Cape Epic ambitions, but they've also given us a clear roadmap:

For me, the priority is obvious: Volume, volume, volume. I need to spend serious time in Zone 2, building that aerobic foundation that will let me sustain higher power outputs for longer. The lab's advice about long, steady rides isn't sexy, but it's exactly what I need. However, my high lactate tolerance gives us an interesting tactical option – I might be the one who can pull us through a windy valley, ride in the red to keep Jeroen in the green, and still not blow myself up. At least, theoretically that sounds at least credible ;-) .

But on a serious note: I am actually quite positive I can make significant gains. I only started MTB'ing a couple of years ago, and really recreational (or occasional if you like). Jeroen was riding 3-4 times a week during 5 years in Girona. So from that angle the gap might even not be that big.

For Jeroen: With his stronger base, he can focus more on specific threshold work and recovery protocols. His challenge will be managing the gap between us during training rides while still pushing his own limits.

For both of us: We need to be smart about pacing during long rides. My tendency to go out too hard early in rides (evident from my lactate curve shooting up quickly) could be our downfall in an eight-day stage race.

The road ahead

These tests have been a humbling (at least for me it was) but essential reality check. The 40-watt power gap between Jeroen and me isn't insurmountable, but it won't close by accident. It's going to require dedicated, structured training and probably some conversations about race tactics closer to date.

The next few months will be about building my aerobic engine while Jeroen works on his top-end. We'll need to find ways to train together that benefit both our different needs – perhaps longer rides with intervals for him while I focus on consistent aerobic effort.

Cape Epic is still 7 months away. These numbers represent our starting point, not our destination. But now we know exactly what mountain we need to climb – both literally and figuratively.

The test reports are filed away, the training zones are programmed into our devices, and the real work begins now. Time to see if two mid-40s entrepreneurs can close the gap between ambition and reality, one pedal stroke at a time.

Keep chasing!