The results of Chris Froome's physiological test have been published in the Esquire Magazine. The Brit made the decision to undergo independent tests and release the results after he faced much scrutiny and criticism during his Tour de France-winning ride last summer.

The tests were conducted in August between the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana at a time when Froome's weight was 69.9kg compared to his Tour weight of 67kg. His body fat was 9.8 per cent.

The tests show that Froome had a VO2 max of 84.6 which correlates to 88.2 at his Tour weight. Very little information about the VO2 max of professional bike riders is known but Greg Lemond is reported to have recorded values above 90. 

The lab tests also show the Froome has a peak power of 525 watts, and sustained power – between 20-40 minutes - of 419 watts. At his Tour weight, the watts-per-kilogram would be 6.25w/kg.

The article also publishes values from a test Froome underwent in Lausanne when he was at the World Cycling Centre as a young rider. At that time, his weight was 75.6kg with a body fat of 16.9 per cent. He produced a higher peak power than his 2015 test, 540 watts, his threshold was 420 watts and his VO2 max was 80.2.

The tests were conducted by exercise physiologist at the University of Cape Town Jeroen Swart who drew the following conclusion based on the comparison of the two tests.

"The engine was there all along," said Swart. "He just lost the fat."

Later a fuller scientific report will be released.