The 2 km (2000 meters) Rowing Ergo Test is part of the eTID Talent Identification Testing Program for rowing, and their protocol is listed here. There is also a 5km and 500m ergo test.
- purpose: This test is designed to completely exhaust all energy production pathways under race conditions.
- equipment required: Concept IID rowing ergometer (or equivalent). A specific drag factor needs to be set (see comments below).
- procedure: Ensure the correct drag factor is set correctly with the preferred display option selected on screen (see comments below). Ensure 500m splits are set on the PM3/4 prior to the trial. Sit ready to start the 2 km test. The aim of the test is to cover the 2 km in the shortest possible time, and you should be exhausted at the completion of the trial. Experience has shown that better scores are achieved with an even split rather than starting conservatively and then coming home strong, or going out too fast and not being able to complete the distance.
- scoring: Record the time taken to complete the 2000 meters in minutes and seconds and the average stroke rate.