The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the use of toeclips on the ventilatory threshold (VT) of cyclists and runners during cycle ergometry. Ten competitive cyclists and ten well-trained runners performed two continuous maximal cycle ergometer tests, once with toeclips and once without toeclips. Respiratory data were collected every 20 s and used to determine VT and [Vdot]O2 max. For cyclists, the mean (⋍ SEM) oxygen uptake at VT ( [Vdot]O2, VT) was greater during the trial with toeclips (48·8± l·9mlkg−1 min−1 and 46·9±l·9mlkg−1min− during cycle ergometry with and without toeclips, respectively; p<0·05). No significant difference in [Vdot]O2, VT was noted between trials for runners. The cyclists also demonstrated a higher [Vdot]O2max during the trial with toeclips (58·8 ±3·0 ml kg−1min−1) compared to the trial without toeclips (54·4 ±20ml kg−1 min−1; p<0·05). When expressed relative to [Vdot]O2max (% [Vdot]O2max) the VT during the toeclip trial for cyclists was significantly decreased (p<0·05). These data suggest that the cyclists in this study developed specific adaptations related to the use of toeclips, and the use of toeclips during cycle ergometry is therefore recommended. We recommend that future studies report results with VT expressed in both absolute ( [Vdot]O2) and relative ( [Vdot]O2 max) terms