Passfield and Doust (2000) found a strong correlation between 5 minute average power output, VO2peak (and maximal [aerobic] power output), and blood lactate threshold. Therefore, an intense 'all-out' time trial for 5 minutes is dependent on VO2max/peak, and not strength. <br /><br />I'll go with Rhodent for the correlation/causality part. <br />Causality is very hard to prove easyiest way is to get two samples ho just have differences on one single variable(impossible to find for a group of humans). Correlation is the fact that the numbers of the things you are comparing move in the same direction correlation with variance correction lies between -1 an 1; -1 moving in the exact opposite direction with the same size off difference. 1 same but identical direction. 0 move completely independant from each other.<br /><br />If you know the number of stocks listed on the stock exchanges, It must be possible to find a stock with almost perfect .95 or higher corelation to the progress a group of sportsmen make, very very likely there is no causality in this case.<br /><br />With statistics its important knowing whats tested and how. A handy statistician can easyly fool you even more when talking about graphs(maybe more later, but its a little to far of topic)<br /><br />So far todays moderate introduction on statistics(One of the first times I really find this stuff I had to follow at University udefull)<br /><br /><br />However, there is an overwhelming weight (pun intended!) of evidence to suggest that training adaptations need to be specific. This forms the rule of specificity. Åstrand and Rodahl (1986) state, "when striving for muscle strength for a particular activity, the best training is that activity" (p. 108).<br /><br />Nice selection of the fitness exercises and they way in doing them can make them cycling specific IMO.<br /><br /><br />There are indeed some research data to show that strength training will increase lactate threshold, and VO2max (etc.), however, almost exclusively these studies have been performed on untrained individuals. In untrained individuals, it is well accepted and understood that any training will induce change. <br /><br />The Rabobank system study I mentionned is with trained athletes<br /><br />I will ask a Friend who graduated on the differene in fitness and ergo strength training for his study(With trained cyclists) and mail you a resume(whatever his results are) can take some time need to get it first, read it and try to bald it corectly together in english.<br /><br />These are my modest remarks will make separate subject for a big remark<br /><br />