Yeah, many more metrics to look at as well. Like lactate threshold (often measured relative to pace in running, or wattage in cycling (FTP)). And while they correlate, even they cannot even predict performance.
For instance I measured my ftp, did a training plan and measured again. No change, but still got better results on my rides. Real world cycling is "punchy" with accelerations and hills etc. So my steady state performance hadn't increased, but my ability to endure going over lactate threshold and come back had.
And also the other way. When my friend started cycling, he was already an insane runner with good vo2max (70+). But his ftp on cycling was comparably low, since his muscles couldn't handle that lactate build up from this unknown moving pattern. Of course he quickly improved, but it's another point showing that vo2max doesn't necessarily translate to performance in an event. (One could argue him redoing the vo2max test on a bike would have yielded a different score, though)
Yes VO2 Max tests for the same athlete will usually yield scores that differ by a few points for cycling versus running. I know at least one pro cycling team tried to identify potential new riders from outside the sport by recruiting athletes from other sports who had exceptionally high VO2 Max scores. Race results were disappointing.
I think besides great endurance and ability to recover, being able to turn down the self-preservation knob is important in cycling. This is also true in speed skating moreso than the other endurance sports. Being able to relax on the downhills or in a fast moving peloton is essential to save energy
For instance I measured my ftp, did a training plan and measured again. No change, but still got better results on my rides. Real world cycling is "punchy" with accelerations and hills etc. So my steady state performance hadn't increased, but my ability to endure going over lactate threshold and come back had.
And also the other way. When my friend started cycling, he was already an insane runner with good vo2max (70+). But his ftp on cycling was comparably low, since his muscles couldn't handle that lactate build up from this unknown moving pattern. Of course he quickly improved, but it's another point showing that vo2max doesn't necessarily translate to performance in an event. (One could argue him redoing the vo2max test on a bike would have yielded a different score, though)