Purpose: Acute apnea is known to induce decreases in oxyhemoglobin desaturation (SpO2) and increases in erythropoietin concentration ([EPO]). This study examined the potential of an apnea training program to induce erythropoiesis and increase hematological parameters and exercise performance. Methods: Twenty-two male subjects were randomly divided into an apnea and control group. The apnea group performed a 6-week apnea training program consisting of a daily series of 5 maximal static apneas. Before and after training, subjects visited the lab on three test days to perform 1) a ramp incremental test measuring V̇O2peak, 2) CO-rebreathing for Hb mass determination and a 3-km time trial and 3) an apnea test protocol with continuous finger SpO2 registration. Venous blood samples were drawn before and 180 minutes after the apnea test for analysis of [EPO]. Results: Minimal SpO2 reached during the apnea test protocol was 91 ±7% pre and 82 ±7% post apnea training. The apnea test protocol did not elicit an acute increase in [EPO] (p=0.685) before nor after the training program. Consequently, resting [EPO] (p=0.170), Hbmass (p=0.134), V̇O2peak (p=0.796) and 3-km cycling time trial performance (p=0.509) were not affected either. Conclusion: The apnea test and training protocol, consisting of 5 maximal static apneas, did not induce a sufficiently strong hypoxic stimulus to cause erythropoiesis and therefore did not result in an increase in resting [EPO], Hbmass, V̇O2peak or time trial performance. Longer and/or more intense training sessions inducing a stronger hypoxic stimulus are probably needed to obtain changes in hematological and exercise parameters.