Testing in the athletes was carried out to correspond with the
major changes in training periods. End of autumn testing
(November-December) corresponded to basic endurance
training (BET). End of winter testing (February-March)
was performed half way through the precompetition period
(PrC). Testing during the competition period (C) was in early
summer (June-July). Control subjects were investigated
twice: at the end of the year (corresponding to BET for the
athletic group) and during summer (corresponding to C). At
each visit, all the subjects performed a maximal exercise test
preceded and followed by respiratory manoeuvres, athletes
completed a questionnaire on training habits and respiratory
symptoms, and ambient ozone concentrations, airborne
allergens, and meteorological data were obtained.