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Gallo G, Mateo-March M, Fuk A, Faelli E, Ruggeri P, Codella R, Filipas L. The Day-by-Day Periodization Strategies of a Giro d'Italia Podium Finisher. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024:1-5. [PMID: 38335950 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to describe the day-by-day training and racing characteristics in preparation for the Giro d'Italia of 1 world-class road cyclist who achieved a place on the podium in the final general classification of the Giro d'Italia. METHODS Day-by-day power meter training and racing data of 1 study subject (road cyclist; age 25 y; relative maximum oxygen consumption 81 mL·min-1·kg-1; relative 20-min record power output 6.6 W·kg-1) covering the 152 days leading up to the podium in the Giro d'Italia final general classification were retrospectively analyzed. Daily load, daily volume, and intensity distribution were considered. RESULTS During training a pattern alternating "hard days" versus "easy days" was observed, as significant amounts of medium or high intensity, or load, were not performed for more than 2 consecutive days This pattern was achieved combining high volume (>4 h) with a significant amount of medium and high intensity within the same training sessions. During training, when training load and intensity increased, the density of "easy days" augmented. In 1-week stage races and the Giro d'Italia, 3 to 8 consecutive days with significant amounts of medium and high intensity were performed. A high number of training sessions with small amounts of medium- and high-intensity volume was observed: 38 days accumulating 3 to 10 minutes at medium intensity and 29 days spending 1 to 9 minutes at high intensity. CONCLUSION These data provide novel insights about the day-by-day periodization strategies leading to a top 3 in the Giro d'Italia general classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Gallo
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuel Mateo-March
- Sport Science Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Madrid, Spain
- Spanish Cycling Federation, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Fuk
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Faelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Piero Ruggeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Filipas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
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Sellés-Pérez S, Arévalo-Chico H, Fernández-Sáez J, Cejuela R. Training Characteristics, Performance, and Body Composition of Three U23 Elite Female Triathletes throughout a Season. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:53. [PMID: 38393273 PMCID: PMC10892950 DOI: 10.3390/sports12020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: There is a lack of data on the long-term training characteristics and performance markers of elite young female endurance athletes. The aim of this study was to present the training load (ECOs), as well as the evolution of the anthropometric values and performance of three elite U23 female triathletes over a season. (2) Methods: General training data and performance data relating to the swimming, cycling, and running legs of the 2021 season were described. The training intensity distribution (TID) was presented using the triphasic model, while the training load was based on the ECO model. An anthropometric analysis was also conducted in accordance with the ISAK standards. (3) Results: Triathletes increased their VO2max in cycling (6.9-10%) and running (7.1-9.1%), as well as their power and speed associated with the VO2max (7.7-8.6% in cycling and 5.1-5.3% in running) and their swimming speed associated with the lactate thresholds (2.6-4.0% in LT2 and 1.2-2.5% in LT1). The triathletes completed more than 10 h of weekly average training time, with peak weeks exceeding 15 h. The average TID of the three triathletes was 82% in phase 1, 6% in phase 2, and 12% in phase 3. A decrease in the sum of skinfolds and fat mass percentage was observed during the season in the three triathletes, although the last measurement revealed a stagnation or slight rise in these parameters. (4) Conclusions: The triathletes performed a combination of two training periodization models (traditional and block periodization) with a polarized TID in most of the weeks of the season. Improvements in performance and physiological parameters were observed after the general preparatory period as well as a positive body composition evolution throughout the season, except at the end, where the last measurement revealed stagnation or a slight decline. This study can be useful as a general guide for endurance coaches to organize a training season with female U23 triathletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Sellés-Pérez
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (H.A.-C.); (R.C.)
| | - Hector Arévalo-Chico
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (H.A.-C.); (R.C.)
| | - José Fernández-Sáez
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut, Universitari per a la Recerca a l’atenció Primària de Salur Jordi Gol i Urina (IDIAPGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain;
- Facultat de Enfermería, Campus Terres de l’Ebre, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Roberto Cejuela
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (H.A.-C.); (R.C.)
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Christensen PM, Andreasen JJ, Lyngholm J, Søgaard O, Lykkestrup J, Hostrup M, Nybo L, Bangsbo J. Importance of training volume during intensified training in elite cyclists: Maintained vs. reduced volume at moderate intensity. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14362. [PMID: 37002854 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male elite cyclists (average VO2 -max: 71 mL/min/kg, n = 18) completed 7 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIT) (3×/week; 4-min and 30-s intervals) during the competitive part of the season. The influence of a maintained or lowered total training volume combined with HIT was evaluated in a two-group design. Weekly moderate-intensity training was lowered by ~33% (~5 h) (LOW, n = 8) or maintained at normal volume (NOR, n = 10). Endurance performance and fatigue resistance were evaluated via 400 kcal time-trials (~20 min) commenced either with or without prior completion of a 120-min preload (including repeated 20-s sprints to simulate physiologic demands during road races). RESULTS Time-trial performance without preload was improved after the intervention (p = 0.006) with a 3% increase in LOW (p = 0.04) and a 2% increase in NOR (p = 0.07). Preloaded time-trial was not significantly improved (p = 0.19). In the preload, average power during repeated sprinting increased by 6% in LOW (p < 0.01) and fatigue resistance in sprinting (start vs end of preload) was improved (p < 0.05) in both groups. Blood lactate during the preload was lowered (p < 0.001) solely in NOR. Measures of oxidative enzyme activity remained unchanged, whereas the glycolytic enzyme PFK increased by 22% for LOW (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates that elite cyclists can benefit from intensified training during the competitive season both with maintained and lowered training volume at moderate intensity. In addition to benchmarking the effects of such training in ecological elite settings, the results also indicate how some performance and physiological parameters may interact with training volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Christensen
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
- Team Danmark (Danish elite sport organization), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Juul Andreasen
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Jonas Lyngholm
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Ole Søgaard
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Jakob Lykkestrup
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Morten Hostrup
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Lars Nybo
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Jens Bangsbo
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen O, Denmark
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Cejuela R, Selles-Perez S. Training characteristics and performance of two male elite short-distance triathletes: From junior to "world-class". Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:2444-2456. [PMID: 37632141 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The sports-science literature lacks data on training and performance characteristics of international elite athletes over multiple seasons. The present case study provided general training characteristics and performance data of two male short-distance triathletes in the Junior, U23, and international Elite categories. METHODS General training and performance data of two male elite triathletes were described in swimming, cycling, and running segments from the 2015 to 2022 season. The training load was presented using the ECO model while the training intensity distribution (TID) was a triphasic model. RESULTS Both triathletes increased their performance throughout the seasons. Triathlete A increased his VO2max in cycling by 20.6%, in running by 16.7%. His power at VO2max and his speed at VO2max by 18.9% and 11.0%, respectively. Triathlete B improved his VO2max by 17.8% in cycling, by 16.1% in running and his power at VO2max by 24%, and his speed at VO2max by 14.3%. The triathletes trained on average 14-17 h a week. The TID model was polarized. CONCLUSIONS To achieve the top international level, it is necessary to consider the following measures: training load progression; improvements in physiological variables; and participation in international events starting from youth categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cejuela
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Sergio Selles-Perez
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Gallo G, Mateo-March M, Gotti D, Maunder E, Codella R, Ruggeri P, Faelli E, Filipas L. The Weekly Periodization of Top 5 Tour de France General Classification Finishers: A Multiple Case Study. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:1313-1320. [PMID: 37709277 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to describe individual training characteristics, racing strategies, and periodization in preparation for the Tour de France in 2 world-class road cyclists finishing in the top 5 of the general classification. METHODS Week-by-week power meter training and racing data of 2 (A and B) road cyclists (age: 29 and 23 y; maximum oxygen consumption: 83 and 81 mL·min-1·kg-1; and relative 20-min record power output: 6.9 and 6.5 W·kg-1) in the preparation phase (December-July/August) leading up to the Tour de France were retrospectively analyzed. Weekly volume and intensity distribution in power zones were considered. RESULTS Cyclists A and B completed 46 and 19 races, 22.5 (6.3) and 18.2 (5.1) h·wk-1, with a pyramidal intensity distribution of 81.0%-13.3%-5.7%, and 88.8%-7.9%-3.3% in zone 1-zone 2-zone 3. Cyclist B spent 14 days at altitude. Increased high-intensity volume and polarization index occurred during race weeks. During periods without racing, training intensity progressively increased. Strength training was performed during November and December but not during the following months. During tapering, total exercise volume and time at high intensity decreased. CONCLUSION These data provide novel insights into the periodization of world-class road cyclists in advance of a top 5 placing in the Tour de France general classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Gallo
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Manuel Mateo-March
- Sport Science Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ed Maunder
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Piero Ruggeri
- Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Faelli
- Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Filipas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
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Sperlich B, Matzka M, Holmberg HC. The proportional distribution of training by elite endurance athletes at different intensities during different phases of the season. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1258585. [PMID: 37964776 PMCID: PMC10641476 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1258585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review examines retrospective analyses of training intensity distribution (TID), i.e., the proportion of training at moderate (Zone 1, Z1), heavy (Z2) and severe (Z3) intensity by elite-to-world-class endurance athletes during different phases of the season. In addition, we discuss potential implications of our findings for research in this field, as well as for training by these athletes. Altogether, we included 175 TIDs, of which 120 quantified exercise intensity on the basis of heart rate and measured time-in-zone or employed variations of the session goal approach, with demarcation of zones of exercise intensity based on physiological parameters. Notably, 49% of the TIDs were single-case studies, predominantly concerning cross-country skiing and/or the biathlon. Eighty-nine TIDs were pyramidal (Z1 > Z2 > Z3), 65 polarized (Z1 > Z3 > Z2) and 8 "threshold" (Z2 > Z1 = Z3). However, these relative numbers varied between sports and the particular phases of the season. In 91% (n = 160) of the TIDs >60% of the endurance exercise was of low intensity. Regardless of the approach to quantification or phase of the season, cyclists and swimmers were found to perform a lower proportion of exercise in Z1 (<72%) and higher proportion in Z2 (>16%) than athletes involved in the triathlon, speed skating, rowing, running, cross-country skiing or biathlon (>80% in Z1 and <12% in Z2 in all these cases). For most of the athletes their proportion of heavy-to-severe exercise was higher during the period of competition than during the preparatory phase, although with considerable variability between sports. In conclusion, the existing literature in this area does not allow general conclusions to be drawn. The methods utilized for quantification vary widely and, moreover, contextual information concerning the mode of exercise, environmental conditions, and biomechanical aspects of the exercise is often lacking. Therefore, we recommend a more comprehensive approach in connection with future investigations on the TIDs of athletes involved in different endurance sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy Sperlich
- Integrative and Experimental Training Science, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Matzka
- Integrative and Experimental Training Science, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum C5, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Galán-Rioja MÁ, González-Mohíno F, Skiba PF, González-Ravé JM. Utility of the W´ BAL Model in Training Program Design for Masters Cyclists. Eur J Sport Sci 2022:1-10. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2142675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando González-Mohíno
- Sport Training Lab. University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
- Facultad de Lenguas y Educación, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philip Friere Skiba
- Department of Sports Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
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Zając B, Mika A, Gaj PK, Ambroży T. Does Cycling Training Reduce Quality of Functional Movement Motor Patterns and Dynamic Postural Control in Adolescent Cyclists? A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12109. [PMID: 36231409 PMCID: PMC9566619 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether cycling training may influence quality of functional movement patterns and dynamic postural control. We also sought to determine if the Functional Movement Screen and Lower Quarter Y-balance tests could be predictive of injury risk among adolescent road cyclists. Twenty-three male road cyclists, aged 15-18 years, were involved in the study. Quality of functional movement patterns was assessed using the Functional Movement Screen test (FMS). Dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Lower Quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). Information on injury occurrence was collected through a retrospective survey. The results showed the highest percentage of scores equalling 0 and 1 (>30% in total) in two FMS component tests: the hurdle step and trunk stability push-up. The results also demonstrated a low injury predictive value of the Functional Movement Screen (cut-off <14/21 composite score) and the Lower Quarter Y-balance test (cut-off <94% composite score and >4 cm reach distance asymmetry) in adolescent road cyclists. The most important information obtained from this study is that youth road cyclists may have functional deficits within the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and the trunk, while neither the FMS nor the YBT-LQ test are not recommended for injury risk screening in cyclists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Zając
- Laboratory of Functional Diagnostics, Central Scientific and Research Laboratory, University of Physical Education, 31-571 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Mika
- Institute of Clinical Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education, 31-571 Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Tadeusz Ambroży
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Physical Education, 31-571 Kraków, Poland
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