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Lamberts RP, van Vleuten A, Dumoulin T, Delahaije L, van Erp T. Racing Demands for Winning a Grand Tour: Differences and Similarities Between a Female and a Male Winner. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39069290 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0476] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe and compare the race characteristics, demands, and durability profile of a male and a female Grand Tour winner. METHODS Overall and stage-type-specific (ie, time trials, flat, semimountainous, and mountain) demands and race characteristics during 2 Grand Tours were determined and compared between the female and male cyclists. In addition, relative power output distribution and pacing, percentage of functional threshold power (FTP), and changes in maximal mean power outputs (MMPs) with increasing levels of kilojoules burned were determined. RESULTS Although many differences were found between course and absolute racing demands between the male (FTP: 413 W; critical power: 417 W) and female (FTP: 297 W; critical power: 297 W) cyclists, similar power distributions and pacing strategies were found if data were expressed relatively. However, the female cyclist rode a higher percentage of her FTP during the first 2 quarters of flat stages (14.7%-15.1%) and the last quarter of mountain stages (9.8%) than the male cyclist. Decrements in MMPs were only observed after burning 30 kJ·kg-1 in the female and 45 kJ·kg-1 in the male Grand Tour winner. CONCLUSIONS Both the male and female Grand Tour winners produced very high 20- to 60-minute MMPs, whereas decrements in MMPs were only observed after having burned 75% (female) and 80% (male) of total kilojoules burned during a stage. These are the latest and lowest in MMPs reported in the scientific literature and highlight the importance of durability in combination with excellent climbing and time-trial skills, which are needed to be able to win a Grand Tour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Lamberts
- Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Tom Dumoulin
- Former Professional Cyclist, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Teun van Erp
- Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Leo P, Mateo-March M, Giorgi A, Muriel X, Javaloyes A, Barranco-Gil D, Pallarés JG, Lucia A, Mujika I, Valenzuela PL. The Influence of High-Intensity Work on the Record Power Profile of Under-23, Pro Team, and World Tour Cyclists. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024; 19:545-549. [PMID: 38531349 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0451] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Durability (ie, the ability to attenuate the decline in performance after accumulated work) has been identified as a performance determinant in elite cyclists. The aim of the present study was to compare durability in elite cyclists of various performance levels, particularly after high-intensity work, referred to as "high-intensity durability." METHODS Forty-nine (N = 49) male road cyclists were categorized as either under 23 years of age (U23) (N = 11), Pro Team (N = 13), or World Tour (N = 24). The participants' critical power (CP) was assessed during the preseason. Thereafter, the participants' maximum mean power (MMP) values were determined for efforts of different durations (from 5 s to 30 min) after different levels of accumulated work above CP (from 0 to 7.5 kJ·kg-1). RESULTS U23 cyclists showed a significant reduction of all relative MMP values for durations ≥1 minute after ≥5 kJ·kg-1 above CP compared with the "fresh" state (0 kJ·kg-1), whereas in Pro Team and World Tour cyclists, a significant reduction was not observed until 7.5 kJ·kg-1 above CP. In the "fresh" state, both Pro Team and particularly World Tour cyclists attained higher MMP values for efforts ≥10 minutes than U23 riders. However, more differences emerged with greater previous work levels, and indeed after 7.5 kJ·kg-1 above CP World Tour cyclists attained higher MMP values than both U23 and Pro Team cyclists for most efforts (≥30 s). CONCLUSION Pro Team and particularly World Tour cyclists tolerate greater levels of accumulated work at high intensity, which might support the importance of high-intensity durability for performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Leo
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Manuel Mateo-March
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Center, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Andrea Giorgi
- Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec Professional Cycling Team, Siena, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Specialist Medicine and Rehabilitation, Azienda USL Toscana-SouthEast, Siena, Italy
| | - Xabier Muriel
- Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Javaloyes
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Center, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Jesús G Pallarés
- Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Basque Country
- Exercise Science Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro L Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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Mateo-March M, Leo P, Muriel X, Javaloyes A, Mujika I, Barranco-Gil D, Pallarés JG, Lucia A, Valenzuela PL. Is all work the same? Performance after accumulated work of differing intensities in male professional cyclists. J Sci Med Sport 2024; 27:430-434. [PMID: 38604818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.03.005] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the ability to attenuate power output (PO) declines after accumulated work (i.e., 'durability') is increasingly recognized as a major determinant of cycling performance, the potential role of the intensity of the previous work is unclear. We assessed the effect of work-matched levels of accumulated work at different intensities on performance in male professional cyclists. DESIGN Observational field-based study. METHODS PO data was registered in 17 cyclists during a competition season, and the critical power (CP) was repeatedly determined every 4 weeks from training sessions and competitions. Participants' maximum mean power (MMP) for different durations (5 s, 5 min, 10 min, and 20 min) and the CP were determined under 'fresh' conditions (0 kJ·kg-1) and after varying levels of accumulated work (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kJ·kg-1) at intensities below and above the CP. RESULTS A significant decline was found for all MMP values following all levels of accumulated work above the CP (-4.0 %, -1.7 %, -1.8 %, and -3.2 % for 30s, 5 min, 10 min and 20 min-MMP, respectively; all p < 0.001), versus no change after any level of accumulated work below the CP (all p > 0.05). Similar results were observed for the CP, which decreased after all levels of accumulated work above (-2.2 %, -6.1 %, and -16.2 %, after 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kJ·kg-1, p < 0.001) but not below this indicator (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In male professional cyclists, accumulated work above the CP impairs performance compared with work-matched, albeit less intense efforts. This raises concerns on the use of mechanical work per se as a single fatigue/stress indicator in these athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mateo-March
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Center, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Spain; Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain. https://twitter.com/mmateo_march
| | - Peter Leo
- University Innsbruck, Department Sport Science, Austria. https://twitter.com/peter_leo
| | - Xabier Muriel
- Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, Spain. https://twitter.com/xabimu
| | - Alejandro Javaloyes
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Center, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Spain. https://twitter.com/alejandro_java
| | - Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Spain; Exercise Science Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Chile. https://twitter.com/inigomujika
| | | | - Jesús G Pallarés
- Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, Spain. https://twitter.com/dpallaresjg
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro L Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain. https://twitter.com/pl_valenzuela
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Sargent C, Jasinski S, Capodilupo ER, Powers J, Miller DJ, Roach GD. The Night-Time Sleep and Autonomic Activity of Male and Female Professional Road Cyclists Competing in the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:39. [PMID: 38625486 PMCID: PMC11021391 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00716-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep is a critical component of recovery, but it can be disrupted following prolonged endurance exercise. The objective of this study was to examine the capacity of male and female professional cyclists to recover between daily race stages while competing in the 2022 Tour de France and the 2022 Tour de France Femmes, respectively. The 17 participating cyclists (8 males from a single team and 9 females from two teams) wore a fitness tracker (WHOOP 4.0) to capture recovery metrics related to night-time sleep and autonomic activity for the entirety of the events and for 7 days of baseline before the events. The primary analyses tested for a main effect of 'stage classification'-i.e., rest, flat, hilly, mountain or time trial for males and flat, hilly or mountain for females-on the various recovery metrics. RESULTS During baseline, total sleep time was 7.2 ± 0.3 h for male cyclists (mean ± 95% confidence interval) and 7.7 ± 0.3 h for female cyclists, sleep efficiency was 87.0 ± 4.4% for males and 88.8 ± 2.6% for females, resting HR was 41.8 ± 4.5 beats·min-1 for males and 45.8 ± 4.9 beats·min-1 for females, and heart rate variability during sleep was 108.5 ± 17.0 ms for males and 119.8 ± 26.4 ms for females. During their respective events, total sleep time was 7.2 ± 0.1 h for males and 7.5 ± 0.3 h for females, sleep efficiency was 86.4 ± 1.2% for males and 89.6 ± 1.2% for females, resting HR was 44.5 ± 1.2 beats·min-1 for males and 50.2 ± 2.0 beats·min-1 for females, and heart rate variability during sleep was 99.1 ± 4.2 ms for males and 114.3 ± 11.2 ms for females. For male cyclists, there was a main effect of 'stage classification' on recovery, such that heart rate variability during sleep was lowest after mountain stages. For female cyclists, there was a main effect of 'stage classification' on recovery, such that the percentage of light sleep (i.e., lower-quality sleep) was highest after mountain stages. CONCLUSIONS Some aspects of recovery were compromised after the most demanding days of racing, i.e., mountain stages. Overall however, the cyclists obtained a reasonable amount of good-quality sleep while competing in these physiologically demanding endurance events. This study demonstrates that it is now feasible to assess recovery in professional athletes during multiple-day endurance events using validated fitness trackers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charli Sargent
- CQUniversity, Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | | | | | - Jeremy Powers
- Whoop Inc, Data Science and Research, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dean J Miller
- CQUniversity, Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gregory D Roach
- CQUniversity, Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Cheung CP, Baker RE, Coates AM, Burr JF. Cannabis containing THC impairs 20-min cycling time trial performance irrespective of the method of inhalation. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 136:583-591. [PMID: 38299223 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00757.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Herein, we examine the human exercise response following cannabis inhalation, taking into consideration varied cannabinoid concentrations and different inhalation methods. A semirandomized crossover study design was used, with measures of perceived exertion and physiological responses to submaximal and maximal exercise. Participants (n = 14, 9 males 5 females) completed exercise after 1) smoking Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-predominant cannabis (S-THC), 2) inhaling aerosol (vaporizing) from THC-predominant cannabis (V-THC), 3) inhaling aerosol from cannabidiol (CBD)-predominant cannabis (V-CBD), or 4) under control conditions. All exercise was performed on a cycle ergometer, with submaximal testing performed at 100 W followed by an evaluation of maximal exercise performance using an all-out 20-min time trial. Metabolism was characterized via the analysis of expired gases while subjective ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were reported. During submaximal cycling, heart rate was higher during S-THC and V-THC compared with both control and V-CBD (all P < 0.02). During maximal exercise, V̇e was lower in V-THC compared with control, S-THC, and V-CBD (all P < 0.03), as was S-THC compared with control (P < 0.05). Both V̇o2 and RPE were similar between conditions during maximal exercise (both P > 0.1). Mean power output during the 20-min time trial was significantly lower in the S-THC and V-THC conditions compared with both control and V-CBD (all P < 0.04). Cannabis containing THC alters the physiological response to maximal and submaximal exercise, largely independent of the inhalation method. THC-containing cannabis negatively impacts vigorous exercise performance during a sustained 20-min effort, likely due to physiological and psychotropic effects. Inhalation of cannabis devoid of THC and primarily containing CBD has little physiological effect on the exercise response or performance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Inhalation of cannabis containing THC alters physiological responses to both submaximal and maximal exercise and reduces mean power output during a 20-min time trial, regardless of whether it is inhaled as smoke or aerosol. In contrast, cannabis devoid of THC and predominantly containing CBD has no effect on physiological responses to exercise or performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian P Cheung
- Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryleigh E Baker
- Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra M Coates
- Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie F Burr
- Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Sánchez-Muñoz C, Mateo-March M, Muros JJ, Javaloyes A, Zabala M. Anthropometric characteristics according to the role performed by World Tour road cyclists for their team. Eur J Sport Sci 2023; 23:1821-1828. [PMID: 36205499 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2132879] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Certain anthropometric characteristics are required for athletes to successfully perform in elite endurance sports. The present study aims to analyse the anthropometric characteristics of professional cyclists according to their specialty. Anthropometric measurements were conducted of the body composition of 76 male professional road cyclists in line with International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol. Fat mass did not differ (p > 0.05) between climbers, all-rounders and flat specialists, although the following anthropometric variables did differ according to the role played within the team (p < 0.05): Body mass (climbers: 63.8 ± 3.6, all-rounders: 68.8 ± 5.3, flat specialists: 74.5 ± 5.6 kg) skeletal body mass (climbers: 29.7 ± 1.6, all-rounders: 31.4 ± 1.9, flat specialists: 33.5 ± 2.4 kg); body surface area (climbers: 1.78 ± 0.07, all-rounders: 1.89 ± 0.10, flat specialists: 1.96 ± 0.1 m2); frontal area (climbers: 0.33 ± 0.01, all-rounders: 0.35 ± 0.02, flat specialists: 0.36 ± 0.02 m2). Anthropometric characteristics differ between world-class cyclists depending on their specialty. These differences could influence performance in relation to different types of road cycling competitions. The present study identified characteristics that could be used by coaches to evaluate their athletes in the context of elite or professional road cycling.HighlightsNormative reference values of a large sample of professional cyclists of the highest category are presented.Anthropometric characteristics differ between world-class cyclists depending on their specialty.Body mass, BMI, height and skeletal muscle mass are determining factors to determine the role of the cyclist.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sánchez-Muñoz
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - J J Muros
- Department of Didactics of Corporal Expression, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - A Javaloyes
- Sport Science Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - M Zabala
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Sanchez-Jimenez JL, Lorente-Casaus C, Jimenez-Perez I, Gandía-Soriano A, Carpes FP, Priego-Quesada JI. Acute effects of fatigue on internal and external load variables determining cyclists' power profile. J Sports Sci 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37379499 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2227523] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether fatigue affects internal and external load variables determining power profile in cyclists. Ten cyclists performed outdoor power profile tests (lasting 1-, 5 and 20-min) on two consecutive days, subject either to a fatigued condition or not. Fatigue was induced by undertaking an effort (10-min at 95% of average power output obtained in a 20-min effort followed by 1-min maximum effort) until the power output decreased by 20% compared to the 1-min power output. Fatigued condition decreased power output (p < 0.05, 1-min: 9.0 ± 3.8%; 5-min: 5.9 ± 2.5%; 20-min: 4.1 ± 1.9%) and cadence in all test durations, without differences in torque. Lactate decreased in longer efforts when a fatigue protocol had previously been conducted (e.g., 20-min: 8.6 ± 3.0 vs. 10.9 ± 2.7, p < 0.05). Regression models (r2 ≥ 0.95, p < 0.001) indicated that a lower variation in load variables of 20-min in fatigued condition compared with the non-fatigued state resulted in a lower decrease in critical power after the fatigue protocol. The results suggest that fatigued condition on power was more evident in shorter efforts and seemed to rely more on a decrease in cadence than on torque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Sanchez-Jimenez
- Research Group in Sports Biomechanics (GIBD), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Lorente-Casaus
- Research Group in Sports Biomechanics (GIBD), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Jimenez-Perez
- Research Group in Sports Biomechanics (GIBD), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alexis Gandía-Soriano
- Research Group in Sports Biomechanics (GIBD), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe P Carpes
- Applied Neuromechanics Group, Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Jose Ignacio Priego-Quesada
- Research Group in Sports Biomechanics (GIBD), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Van Hooren B, Cox M, Rietjens G, Plasqui G. Determination of energy expenditure in professional cyclists using power data: Validation against doubly labeled water. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:407-419. [PMID: 36404133 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accurate determination of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in athletes is important for optimal performance and injury prevention, but current approaches are insufficiently accurate. We therefore developed an approach to determine TDEE in professional cyclists based on power data, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and a non-exercise physical activity level (PAL) value, and compared energy expenditure (EE) between multi-day and single-day races. METHODS Twenty-one male professional cyclists participated. We measured: (1) BMR, (2) the relationship between power output and EE during an incremental cycling test, which was used to determine EE during exercise (EEE ), and (3) TDEE using doubly labeled water (DLW). A non-exercise PAL-value was obtained by subtracting EEE from TDEE and dividing this by BMR. RESULTS Measured BMR was 7.9 ± 0.8 MJ/day, which was significantly higher than predicted by the Oxford equations. A new BMR equation for elite endurance athletes was therefore developed. Mean TDEE was 31.7 ± 2.8 and 27.3 ± 2.8 MJ/day during the Vuelta a España and Ardennes classics, while EEE was 17.4 ± 1.8 and 10.1 ± 1.4 MJ/day, respectively. Non-exercise PAL-values were 1.8 and 2.0 for the Vuelta and Ardennes classics, respectively, which is substantially higher than currently used generic PAL-values. CONCLUSION We show that the proposed approach leads to a more accurate estimation of non-exercise EE than the use of a generic PAL-value in combination with BMR predictive equations developed for non-elite athletes, with the latter underestimating non-exercise EE by ~28%. The proposed approach may therefore improve nutritional strategies in professional cyclists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Van Hooren
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Cox
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Rietjens
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guy Plasqui
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Training Periodization, Intensity Distribution, and Volume in Trained Cyclists: A Systematic Review. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:112-122. [PMID: 36640771 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0302] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A well-planned periodized approach endeavors to allow road cyclists to achieve peak performance when their most important competitions are held. PURPOSE To identify the main characteristics of periodization models and physiological parameters of trained road cyclists as described by discernable training intensity distribution (TID), volume, and periodization models. METHODS The electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched using a comprehensive list of relevant terms. Studies that investigated the effect of the periodization of training in cyclists and described training load (volume, TID) and periodization details were included in the systematic review. RESULTS Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Block periodization (characterized by employment of highly concentrated training workload phases) ranged between 1- and 8-week blocks of high-, medium-, or low-intensity training. Training volume ranged from 8.75 to 11.68 h·wk-1 and both pyramidal and polarized TID were used. Traditional periodization (characterized by a first period of high-volume/low-intensity training, before reducing volume and increasing the proportion of high-intensity training) was characterized by a cyclic progressive increase in training load, the training volume ranged from 7.5 to 10.76 h·wk-1, and pyramidal TID was used. Block periodization improved maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak aerobic power, lactate, and ventilatory thresholds, while traditional periodization improved VO2max, peak aerobic power, and lactate thresholds. In addition, a day-by-day programming approach improved VO2max and ventilatory thresholds. CONCLUSIONS No evidence is currently available favoring a specific periodization model during 8 to 12 weeks in trained road cyclists. However, few studies have examined seasonal impact of different periodization models in a systematic way.
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Influence of Torque and Cadence on Power Output Production in Cyclists. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:27-36. [PMID: 36470252 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0233] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE No information is available on the torque/cadence relationship in road cyclists. We aimed to establish whether this relationship differs between cyclists of different performance levels or team roles. METHODS Mean maximal power (MMP) output data from 177 riders were obtained from 2012 to 2021 from training and competitions. Cyclists were categorized according to their performance level (world-tour [WT, n = 68], procontinental [PC, n = 63], or under 23 [U23, n = 46]) and team role (time trialists [n = 12], all-rounders [n = 94], climbers [n = 64], or team leaders [n = 7]). RESULTS A significant interaction effect was found for absolute and relative MMP (P < .001), with higher values in PC than WT for short (5-60 s) efforts and the opposite trend for longer durations. MMP was also greater in PC than in U23 for short efforts (30-60 s), with WT and PC attaining higher MMP than U23 for longer bouts (5-60 min). A significant interaction effect was found for cadence (P = .007, but with no post hoc differences) and absolute (P = .010) and relative torque (P = .002), with PC and WT showing significantly higher torque (all P < .05) than U23 for 5- to 60-minute efforts, yet with no differences between the former 2 performance levels. No interaction effect between team roles was found for cadence (P = .185) or relative torque (P = .559), but a significant interaction effect was found for absolute torque (P < .001), with all-rounders attaining significantly higher values than climbers for 5-second to 5-minute efforts. CONCLUSIONS Differences in MMP between cycling performance levels and rider types are dependent on torque rather than cadence, which might support the role of torque development in performance.
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Leo P, Spragg J, Wakefield J, Swart J. Predictors of cycling performance success: Traditional approaches and a novel method to assess performance capacity in U23 road cyclists. J Sci Med Sport 2023; 26:52-57. [PMID: 36513568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate predictors of cycling performance in U23 cyclists by comparing traditional approaches to a novel method - the compound score. Thirty male U23 cyclists (N = 30, age 20.1 ± 1.1 yrs, body mass 69.0 ± 6.9 kg, height 182.6 ± 6.2 cm, V̇O2max 73.8 ± 2.5 mL·kg-1·min-1) participated in this study. DESIGN Power output information was derived from laboratory and field-testing during pre-season and mean maximal power outputs (MMP) from racing season. Absolute and relative 5-min MMP, 5-min MMP after 2000 kJ (MMP2000 kJ), allometric scaling and the compound score were compared to the race score and podium (top 3) performance during a competitive season. METHODS Positive and negative predictive values were calculated for all significant performance variables for the likelihood of a podium performance. RESULTS The absolute 5-min MMP of the field test revealed the highest negative predictive capacity (82.4%, p = 0.012) for a podium performance. The compound score of the 5-min MMP2000 kJ demonstrated the highest positive and average predictive capacity (83.3%, 78.0%, p = 0.007 - respectively). The multi-linear regression analysis revealed a significant predictive capacity between performance variables and the race score (R2 = 0.55, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Collectively the results of the present study reveal that the compound score, alongside absolute power, was able to predict the highest positive and average likelihood for a podium performance. These findings can help to better understand performance capacity from field data to predict future cycling success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Leo
- University Innsbruck, Department Sport Science, Austria.
| | - James Spragg
- University of Cape Town HPALS Research Center, South Africa
| | - John Wakefield
- UAE Team Emirates, United Arab Emirates; Science to Sport, South Africa
| | - Jeroen Swart
- University of Cape Town HPALS Research Center, South Africa; UAE Team Emirates, United Arab Emirates; Science to Sport, South Africa
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12
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Iglesias-Pino J, Herrero-Molleda A, Fernández-Fernández J, García-López J. Interchangeability between the Data Obtained by Two Powermeters during Road Cycling Competitions: A Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16446. [PMID: 36554327 PMCID: PMC9778986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Various power meters are used to assess road-cycling performance in training and competition, but no previous study has analyzed their interchangeability in these conditions. Therefore, the purpose was to compare the data obtained from two different power meters (PowerTap vs. Power2Max) during cycling road races. A national-level under-23 male competitive cyclist completed six road-cycling official competitions (five road races and one individual time trial), in which power output was simultaneously registered with the two power meters. After this, the main power output variables were analyzed with the same software. The average and critical power obtained from the PowerTap power meter were slightly lower than from the Power2Max power meter (3.56 ± 0.68 and 3.62 ± 0.74 W·kg-1, 5.06 and 5.11 W·kg-1, respectively), and the correlations between both devices were very high (r ≥ 0.996 and p < 0.001). In contrast, the PowerTap power meter registered a significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage of time at <0.75 and >7.50 W·kg-1 and power profile at 1, 5 and 10 s. In conclusion, the data obtained in competitions by the two power meters were interchangeable. Nevertheless, the Power2Max power meter underestimated the pedaling power during short and high-intensity intervals (≤10.0 s and >7.50 W·kg-1) compared to the PowerTap power meter. Therefore, the analysis of these efforts should be treated with caution.
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13
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Pallares JG, Hernández-Belmonte A, Valenzuela PL, Muriel X, Mateo-March M, Barranco-Gil D, Lucia A. Field-Derived Maximal Power Output in Cycling: An Accurate Indicator of Maximal Performance Capacity? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1558-1564. [PMID: 35894875 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the validity of field-derived mean maximum power (MMP) values for monitoring maximal cycling endurance performance. METHODS Twenty-seven male professional cyclists performed 3 timed trials (TTs) of 1-, 5-, and 20-minute duration that were used as the gold standard reference. Field-based power output data (3336 files; 124 [25] per cyclist) were registered during the preparatory (60 d pre-TT, including training data only) and specific period of the season (60 d post-TT, including both training and competitions). Comparisons were made between TT performance (mean power output) and MMP values obtained for efforts of the same duration as TT (MMP of 1-, 5-, and 20-min duration). The authors also compared TT- and MMP-derived values of critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity. RESULTS A large correlation (P < .001, r > .65) was found between MMP and TT performance regardless of the effort duration or season period. However, considerable differences (P < .05, standard error of measurement [SEM] > 5%) were found between MMP and TT values for all effort durations in the preparatory period, as well as for the derived CP and anaerobic work capacity. Significant differences were also found between MMP and TT of 1 minute in the specific period, as well as for anaerobic work capacity, yet with no differences for MMP of 5- and 20-minute duration or the derived CP (P > .05, SEM < 5%). CONCLUSION MMP values (for efforts ≥5 min) and the associated CP obtained from both training sessions and competitions can be considered overall accurate indicators of the cyclist's maximal capabilities, but specific tests might be necessary for shorter efforts or when considering training sessions only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús G Pallares
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, University of Murcia, Murcia,Spain
| | | | - Pedro L Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid,Spain
| | - Xabier Muriel
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, University of Murcia, Murcia,Spain
| | - Manuel Mateo-March
- Sport Science Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche,Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid,Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Lucia
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid,Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid,Spain
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14
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Dobler F, Bachl P, Stöggl T, Andersson EP. Physiological Responses and Performance During a 3-Minute Cycle Time Trial: Standard Paced Versus All-Out Paced. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1583-1589. [PMID: 35995425 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0105] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare performance and physiological responses between a standard-paced 3-minute time trial (TTSP, ie, pacing based on normal intention) and a consistently all-out-paced 3-minute time trial (TTAOP). METHODS Sixteen well-trained male cyclists completed the TTSP and TTAOP, on separate days of testing, on a cycling ergometer with power output and respiratory variables measured. Time trials were preceded by 7 × 4-minute submaximal stages of increasing intensity with the linear relationship between power output and metabolic rate used to estimate the contribution from aerobic and anaerobic energy resources. The time course of anaerobic and aerobic contributions to power output was analyzed using statistical parametric mapping. RESULTS Mean power output was not different between the 2 pacing strategies (TTSP = 417 [43] W, TTAOP = 423 [41] W; P = 0.158). TTAOP resulted in higher peak power output (P < .001), mean ventilation rate (P < .001), mean heart rate (P = .044), peak accumulated anaerobically attributable work (P = .026), post-time-trial blood lactate concentration (P = .035), and rating of perceived exertion (P = .036). Statistical parametric mapping revealed a higher anaerobic contribution to power output during the first ∼30 seconds and a lower contribution between ∼90 and 170 seconds for TTAOP than TTSP. The aerobic contribution to power output was higher between ∼55 and 75 seconds for TTAOP. CONCLUSIONS Although there was no significant difference in performance (ie, mean power output) between the 2 pacing strategies, differences were found in the distribution of anaerobically and aerobically attributable power output. This implies that athletes can pace a 3-minute maximal effort very differently but achieve the same result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Dobler
- Laboratory for Motion Analysis, Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen,Switzerland
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Center, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund,Sweden
| | - Philipp Bachl
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Center, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund,Sweden
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg,Austria
| | - Thomas Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg,Austria
- Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, Salzburg,Austria
| | - Erik P Andersson
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Center, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund,Sweden
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø,Norway
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15
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van Erp T, Lamberts RP. Demands of professional female cycling races: influence race level and race duration (single or multi-day events). Eur J Sport Sci 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35938288 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2111277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis study is governed by two aims: firstly, expanding the meagre knowledge store regarding the demands set by professional female road cycling and, secondly, ascertaining whether these demands vary in relation to different race-levels and race duration (single- or multi-day events). A total of 1 349 female professional road races was analyzed and demands (intensity, load and performance) were determined. Races were classified based on race level (i.e. Women's World Tour [WWT], level.1 and level.2 according to the International Cycling Federation) and race duration (single- or multi-day events). Differences were assessed with a multilevel random intercept model whilst the strength of said differences were indicated by Cohens'd (0-0.19 trivial; 0.20-0.59 small; 0.60-1.1.9 moderate; 1.20-1.99 large; ≥2.00 very large). In general, no moderate differences for load and intensity were noted for the different race levels. This result contrasts with data obtained from male road cycling. Moderate higher 3 and 5 min maximal mean power (MMP) values were noted in the WWT compared to Level.2 races. More substantial differences were found to exist between single- and multi-day races with single-day races presenting small to large higher load and intensity values. In addition, single-day races presented higher MMPs overall durations (5sec - 60 min) although these differences can be rated trivial to small. This study contributes to the limited knowledge store describing demands in professional female cycling. The reported data provide valuable insights which may aid practitioners and/or coaches in preparing female professional cyclists for races.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teun van Erp
- Division of Biokinetics, Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Robert P Lamberts
- Division of Biokinetics, Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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16
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Taylor KB, Deckert S. Field-testing to determine power - cadence and torque - cadence profiles in professional road cyclists. Eur J Sport Sci 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35786391 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2095307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate a field-based approach to determine torque-cadence and power-cadence profiles in professional cyclists and establish if this field-based protocol can differentiate between varying rider specializations. Twenty-four male professional athletes from a World Tour cycling team participated in this investigation (Height = 1.84 ± 0.05 m, Weight = 72.3 ± 5.6 kg, Age = 25 ± 4 y). All riders were subsequently categorized into the following groups: 1) General Classification (GC) group; 2) sprinter group; and 3) classics group. All participants completed a specific sprint protocol in the field which included 6 times 6s sprints with varying gearing, starting cadences, starting speeds and position (i.e. seated vs standing). Power-cadence and torque-cadence profiles were determined based on the sprint outputs. There was a significant main effect of rider specialization on the measured (sprint) variables (P≤0.03). Body weight, maximum power outputs (1s, 10s and modelled) and maximum torque were highest in the sprinter group, followed by the classics group, followed by the GC group. The protocol was able to differentiate between different rider specializations (i.e. GC, sprinters, classics). The proposed methodology can contribute to individualizing training content in the short-duration domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Bergin Taylor
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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17
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Impact of prior accumulated work and intensity on power output in elite/international level road cyclists—a pilot study. GERMAN JOURNAL OF EXERCISE AND SPORT RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12662-022-00818-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the impact of the intensity of prior accumulated work on the decline in power output in elite/international level road cyclists, comparing the effects of prior continuous moderate intensity versus intermittent high intensity cycling.
Methods
Nine elite/international level road cyclists (age 26.2 ± 4.0 years; body mass: 66.6 ± 5.5 kg; height: 176 ± 0.4 cm) conducted a 12-min field test (12 minfresh) during two consecutive training camps. Participants then performed both a 150-min moderate intensity continuous (MIC) work bout or a 150-min high intensity intermittent (HII) race simulation in randomized order, cross-over design. After each condition a 12-min field test (12 minfatigue) was completed.
Results
Absolute and relative 12 minfresh power output were not significantly different between training camps (p > 0.05). The 12 minfatigue power after HII was significantly lower than 12 minfatigue after MIC (∆ = 14 W; p = 0.014). Participants recorded more percentage time (%Time) in heart rate (HR) zone 3 (∆ = 9.2%; p = 0.003) and power output band between 5.0–7.9 W $$\cdot$$
∙
kg−1 (∆ = 8.9%; p = 0.002) as well as higher total work (∆ = 237 kJ; p ≤ 0.001) during HII.
Conclusion
These findings reveal that the decline in power output is higher after HII compared to MIC cycling work bouts. This suggests that the quantification of total work and intensity should be used in conjunction to predict a distinctive decline in power output. Future research is required to better understand the mechanisms of endurance “durability” in elite/international level road cyclists.
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The Record Power Profile of Male Professional Cyclists: Normative Values Obtained From a Large Database. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:701-710. [PMID: 35193109 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present normative data for the record power profile of male professional cyclists attending to team categories and riding typologies. METHODS Power output data registered from 4 professional teams during 8 years (N = 144 cyclists, 129,262 files, and 1062 total seasons [7 (5) per cyclist] corresponding to both training and competition sessions) were analyzed. Cyclists were categorized as ProTeam (n = 46) or WorldTour (n = 98) and as all-rounders (n = 65), time trialists (n = 11), climbers (n = 50), sprinters (n = 11), or general classification contenders (n = 7). The record power profile was computed as the highest maximum mean power (MMP) value attained for different durations (1 s to 240 min) in both relative (W·kg-1) and absolute units (W). RESULTS Significant differences between ProTeam and WorldTour were found for both relative (P = .002) and absolute MMP values (P = .006), with WT showing lower relative, but not absolute, MMP values at shorter durations (30-60 s). However, higher relative and absolute MMP values were recorded for very short- (1 s) and long-duration efforts (60 and 240 min for relative MMP values and ≥5 min for absolute ones). Differences were also found regarding cyclists' typologies for both relative and absolute MMP values (P < .001 for both), with sprinters presenting the highest relative and absolute MMP values for short-duration efforts (5-30 s) and general classification contenders presenting the highest relative MMP values for longer efforts (1-240 min). CONCLUSIONS The present results--obtained from the largest cohort of professional cyclists assessed to date-could be used to assess cyclists' capabilities and indicate that the record power profile can differ between cyclists' categories and typologies.
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The Record Power Profile in Professional Female Cyclists: Normative Values Obtained From a Large Database. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:682-686. [PMID: 35168197 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the record power profile of professional female cyclists and to assess potential differences based on the type of rider. METHODS Power output data (32,028 files containing both training and competition sessions recorded) in 44 female professional cyclists during 1-6 years were analyzed. Cyclists were categorized as all-rounders, time trialists, climbers, or sprinters. The record power profile was calculated using the mean maximal power output (MMP) values attained by each cyclist for different-effort durations (5 s to 60 min) expressed in relative (W·kg-1), as well as absolute, power output (W). RESULTS Participants' MMP averaged 15.3 (1.8) W·kg-1 for 5 seconds, 8.4 (0.8) W·kg-1 for 1 minute, 5.2 (0.5) W·kg-1 for 10 minutes, and 4.2 (0.4) W·kg-1 for 60 minutes. For short-duration efforts (5-30 s), sprinters attained the highest MMP results, with significantly higher relative (Hedges g = 1.40-2.31) or absolute (g = 4.48-8.06) values than the remainder of categories or climbers only, respectively. Time trialists attained the highest MMP for longer efforts, with higher relative values than both all-rounders and climbers when comparing efforts lasting 10 to 60 minutes (P < .05, g = 1.21-1.54). CONCLUSIONS In professional female cyclists, the record power profile substantially differs based on the specific category of the rider. These findings provide unique insights into the physical capacities of female professional cyclists, as well as a benchmark for coaches and scientists aiming to identify talent in female cycling.
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Performance Characteristics of TOP5 Versus NOT-TOP5 Races in Female Professional Cycling. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1070-1076. [PMID: 35405635 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maximal mean power output (MMP) is commonly used to describe the demands and performances of races in professional male cycling. In the female professional cyclist domain, however, there is limited knowledge regarding MMPs in races. Therefore, this study aimed to describe MMPs in female professional cycling races while investigating differences between TOP5 and NOT-TOP5 races. METHODS Race data (N = 1324) were collected from 14 professional female cyclists between 2013 and 2019. Races were categorized as TOP5 or NOT-TOP5. The MMPs were consequently determined over a range of different time frames (5 s to 60 min). To provide these MMPs with additional context, 2 factors were determined: when these MMPs were attained in a race (based on duration and kilojoules spent [kJspent·kg-1]) and these MMPs relative to the cyclist's season's best MMP (MMP%best). RESULTS Short-duration power outputs (≤1 min) were higher in TOP5 races compared with NOT-TOP5 races. In addition, the timing (both duration and kJspent·kg-1) of all MMPs was later and after more workload in the race in TOP5 compared with NOT-TOP5 races. In contrast, no difference in MMP%best was noted between TOP5 and NOT-TOP5 races. CONCLUSIONS TOP5 races in female cycling are presented with higher short-duration MMPs (≤1 min) when compared with NOT-TOP5 races, and cyclists were able to reach a higher percentage of their seasonal best MMP when they were able to finish TOP5. In addition, these MMPs are performed later and after more kJspent·kg-1 in TOP5 versus NOT-TOP5 races, which confirms the importance of "fatigue resistance" in professional (female) cycling.
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21
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Spragg J, Leo P, Swart J. The relationship between training characteristics and durability in professional cyclists across a competitive season. Eur J Sport Sci 2022; 23:489-498. [PMID: 35239466 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2049886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
RESULTS Absolute 5MMPfatigue, 12MMPfatigue and relative 12MMPfatigue were significantly lower in late-season compared with early- and mid-season (p < 0.05). The difference in absolute 12MMPfresh and 12MMPfatigue was significantly greater in late than in early- and mid-season.A significant relationship was found between training time below the first ventilatory threshold (Time < VT1) and improvements in absolute and relative 2MMPfatigue (r = 0.43 p = 0.018 and r = 0.376 p = 0.04 respectively); and between a shift towards a polarised training intensity distribution and improvements in absolute and relative 12MMPfatigue (r = 0.414p = 0.023 for both) between subsequent periods. CONCLUSION There is greater variability in the fatigue power profile across a competitive season than the fresh power profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Spragg
- HPALS, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
| | - Peter Leo
- Department of Sport Science, Division of Performance Physiology & Prevention, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jeroen Swart
- HPALS, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
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22
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Leo P, Spragg J, Podlogar T, Lawley JS, Mujika I. Power profiling and the power-duration relationship in cycling: a narrative review. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:301-316. [PMID: 34708276 PMCID: PMC8783871 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04833-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Emerging trends in technological innovations, data analysis and practical applications have facilitated the measurement of cycling power output in the field, leading to improvements in training prescription, performance testing and race analysis. This review aimed to critically reflect on power profiling strategies in association with the power-duration relationship in cycling, to provide an updated view for applied researchers and practitioners. The authors elaborate on measuring power output followed by an outline of the methodological approaches to power profiling. Moreover, the deriving a power-duration relationship section presents existing concepts of power-duration models alongside exercise intensity domains. Combining laboratory and field testing discusses how traditional laboratory and field testing can be combined to inform and individualize the power profiling approach. Deriving the parameters of power-duration modelling suggests how these measures can be obtained from laboratory and field testing, including criteria for ensuring a high ecological validity (e.g. rider specialization, race demands). It is recommended that field testing should always be conducted in accordance with pre-established guidelines from the existing literature (e.g. set number of prediction trials, inter-trial recovery, road gradient and data analysis). It is also recommended to avoid single effort prediction trials, such as functional threshold power. Power-duration parameter estimates can be derived from the 2 parameter linear or non-linear critical power model: P(t) = W'/t + CP (W'-work capacity above CP; t-time). Structured field testing should be included to obtain an accurate fingerprint of a cyclist's power profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Leo
- Division of Performance Physiology & Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - James Spragg
- Health Physical Activity Lifestyle Sport Research Centre (HPALS), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tim Podlogar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
- Department of Automatics, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Justin S Lawley
- Division of Performance Physiology & Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
- Exercise Science Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
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Power Profile of Top 5 Results in World Tour Cycling Races. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 17:203-209. [PMID: 34560671 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the power profile of a top 5 result achieved in World Tour cycling races of varying types, namely: flat sprint finish, semi-mountain race with a sprint finish, semi-mountain race with uphill finish, and mountain races (MT). METHODS Power output data from 33 professional cyclists were collected between 2012 and 2019. This large data set was filtered so that it only included top 5 finishes in World Tour races (18 participants and 177 races). Each of these top 5 finishes were subsequently classified as flat sprint finish, semi-mountain race with uphill finish, semi-mountain race with a sprint finish, and MT based on set criteria. Maximal mean power output (MMP) for a wide range of durations (5 s to 60 min), expressed in both absolute (in Watts) and relative terms (in Watts per kilogram), were assessed for each race type. RESULT Short-duration power outputs (<60 s), both in relative and in absolute terms, are of higher importance to be successful in flat sprint finish and semi-mountain race with a sprint finish. Longer-duration power outputs (≥3 min) are of higher importance to be successful in semi-mountain race with uphill finish and MT. In addition, relative power outputs of >10 minutes seem to be a key determining factor for success in MT. These race-type specific MMPs of importance (ie, short-duration MMPs for sprint finishes, longer-duration MMPs for races with more elevation gain) are performed at a wide range (80%-97%) of the cyclist's personal best MMP. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the relative importance of certain points on the power-duration spectrum varies with different race types and provides insight into benchmarks for achieving a result in a World Tour cycling race.
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van der Zwaard S, Brocherie F, Jaspers RT. Under the Hood: Skeletal Muscle Determinants of Endurance Performance. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:719434. [PMID: 34423293 PMCID: PMC8371266 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.719434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decades, researchers have extensively studied (elite) athletes' physiological responses to understand how to maximize their endurance performance. In endurance sports, whole-body measurements such as the maximal oxygen consumption, lactate threshold, and efficiency/economy play a key role in performance. Although these determinants are known to interact, it has also been demonstrated that athletes rarely excel in all three. The leading question is how athletes reach exceptional values in one or all of these determinants to optimize their endurance performance, and how such performance can be explained by (combinations of) underlying physiological determinants. In this review, we advance on Joyner and Coyle's conceptual framework of endurance performance, by integrating a meta-analysis of the interrelationships, and corresponding effect sizes between endurance performance and its key physiological determinants at the macroscopic (whole-body) and the microscopic level (muscle tissue, i.e., muscle fiber oxidative capacity, oxygen supply, muscle fiber size, and fiber type). Moreover, we discuss how these physiological determinants can be improved by training and what potential physiological challenges endurance athletes may face when trying to maximize their performance. This review highlights that integrative assessment of skeletal muscle determinants points toward efficient type-I fibers with a high mitochondrial oxidative capacity and strongly encourages well-adjusted capillarization and myoglobin concentrations to accommodate the required oxygen flux during endurance performance, especially in large muscle fibers. Optimisation of endurance performance requires careful design of training interventions that fine tune modulation of exercise intensity, frequency and duration, and particularly periodisation with respect to the skeletal muscle determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan van der Zwaard
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Laboratory for Myology, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Franck Brocherie
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France
| | - Richard T. Jaspers
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Laboratory for Myology, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Physical Demands and Performance Indicators in Male Professional Cyclists During a Grand Tour: WorldTour Versus ProTeam Category. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 17:22-30. [PMID: 34343966 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the physical demands and performance indicators of male professional cyclists of 2 different categories (Union Cycliste Internationale WorldTour [WT] and ProTeam [PT]) during a cycling grand tour. METHODS A WT team (n = 8, 31.4 [5.4] y) and a PT team (n = 7, 26.9 [3.3] y) that completed "La Vuelta 2020" volunteered to participate. Participants' power output (PO) was registered, and measures of physical demand and physiological performance (kilojoules spent, training stress score, time spent at different PO bands/zones, and mean maximal PO [MMP] for different exertion durations) were computed. RESULTS WT achieved a higher final individual position than PT (31 [interquartile range = 33] vs 71 [59], P = .004). WT cyclists showed higher mean PO and kilojoule values than their PT peers and spent more time at high-intensity PO values (>5.25 W·kg-1) and zones (91%-120% of individualized functional threshold power) (Ps < .05). Although no differences were found for MMP values in the overall analysis (P > .05), subanalyses revealed that the between-groups gap increased through the race, with WT cyclists reaching higher MMP values for ≥5-minute efforts in the second and third weeks (Ps < .05). CONCLUSIONS Despite the multifactorial nature of cycling performance, WT cyclists spend more time at high intensities and show higher kilojoules and mean PO than their PT referents during a grand tour. Although the highest MMP values attained during the whole race might not differentiate between WT and PT cyclists, the former achieve higher MMP values as the race progresses.
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McCarthy DG, Bostad W, Powley FJ, Little JP, Richards DL, Gibala MJ. Increased cardiorespiratory stress during submaximal cycling after ketone monoester ingestion in endurance-trained adults. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 46:986-993. [PMID: 33646860 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the effect of exogenous ketone body supplementation on exercise responses and performance. The limited studies to date have yielded equivocal data, likely due in part to differences in dosing strategy, increase in blood ketones, and participant training status. Using a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced design, we examined the effect of ingesting a ketone monoester (KE) supplement (600 mg/kg body mass) or flavour-matched placebo in endurance-trained adults (n = 10 males, n = 9 females; V̇O2peak = 57 ± 8 mL/kg/min). Participants performed a 30-min cycling bout at ventilatory threshold intensity (71 ± 3% V̇O2peak), followed 15 min later by a 3 kJ/kg body mass time-trial. KE versus placebo ingestion increased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration before exercise (3.9 ± 1.0 vs 0.2 ± 0.3 mM, p < 0.0001, dz = 3.4), ventilation (77 ± 17 vs 71 ± 15 L/min, p < 0.0001, dz = 1.3) and heart rate (155 ± 11 vs 150 ± 11 beats/min, p < 0.001, dz = 1.2) during exercise, and rating of perceived exertion at the end of exercise (15.4 ± 1.6 vs 14.5 ± 1.2, p < 0.01, dz = 0.85). Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration remained higher after KE vs placebo ingestion before the time-trial (3.5 ± 1.0 vs 0.3 ± 0.2 mM, p < 0.0001, dz = 3.1), but performance was not different (KE: 16:25 ± 2:50 vs placebo: 16:06 ± 2:40 min:s, p = 0.20; dz = 0.31). We conclude that acute ingestion of a relatively large KE bolus dose increased markers of cardiorespiratory stress during submaximal exercise in endurance-trained participants. Novelty: Limited studies have yielded equivocal data regarding exercise responses after acute ketone body supplementation. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced design, we found that ingestion of a large bolus dose of a commercial ketone monoester supplement increased markers of cardiorespiratory stress during cycling at ventilatory threshold intensity in endurance-trained adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin G McCarthy
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - William Bostad
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona J Powley
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan P Little
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | | | - Martin J Gibala
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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