Power Profile of Top 5 Results in World Tour Cycling Races

Racing Demands for Winning a Grand Tour: Differences and Similarities Between a Female and a Male Winner

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.

In Situ Power-Cadence Relationship for 2-, 5-, and 20-Minute Duration: A Proof of Concept in Under-19 Cyclists

BACKGROUND

The force-velocity relationship suggests that maximal power (Pmax) can only be produced in optimal torque (Topt) and cadence (Copt). However, the cadence at which mean maximal power (MMP) is produced has never been studied. This study aimed to determine the individual MMP-cadence relationship from in situ data.

METHOD

We analyzed 1 year of data from 14 under-19 cyclists and calculated the MMP for each cadence between 50 and 120 rpm for 2-, 5-, and 20-minute durations. The MMP-cadence relationship was fit with a second-order polynomial function. The goodness of fit (r2) and odd-day-even-day absolute and relative reliability were evaluated, respectively, for Pmax, Topt, and Copt.

RESULTS

The goodness of fit was very high for every duration studied. Topt and Pmax, but not Copt, were significantly higher for shorter durations. Pmax was significantly correlated only with Topt for the 3 durations (r2 = .63, .71, and .64 for 2, 5, and 20 min, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Evaluation of the MMP-cadence relationship from in situ data is feasible and reliable for 2-, 5-, and 20-minute durations. This profiling approach would enable better detection of the strengths and weaknesses of cyclists and make it possible to design more effective training interventions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The analysis makes it possible to identify the torque versus cadence component that individually limits power production. Knowing the Copt for a given duration of maximal effort could help athletes choose the right gear ratio and regulate cadence during a race in order to maximize performance.

Fatigue Resistance Is Altered during the High-Hormone Phase of Eumenorrheic Females but Not Oral Contraceptive Users

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effect of ovarian hormones and their synthetic equivalents on substrate utilization and fatigue resistance during a race-specific cycling protocol.

METHODS

Seventeen well-trained female cyclists (nine eumenorrheic females, eight oral contraceptive users) completed two experimental trials, in a randomized order, in their low- (follicular/sugar pill) and high-hormone (luteal/active pill) phases. Each 91-min trial consisted of a 45-min moderate-intensity component (submaximal cycling, or SMC) followed by 6 min of high-intensity (HIT) and then a fatigue resistance test (FRT): 6 × 1-min all-out efforts with 1-min active recovery. Meals, comprising carbohydrate (CHO) intake of 8 g·kg -1 body mass, were standardized 24-h pretrial. An electrolyte-only solution was provided ad libitum during each trial.

RESULTS

In eumenorrheic females, a large reduction in average power during FRT was observed in the luteal phase (277 ± 31 vs 287 ± 33 W; P = 0.032). Greater CHO ox (~ 4%, P = 0.020) during SMC and ventilatory inefficiencies during SMC and HIT (~7%, P < 0.001) were also observed in the luteal phase. In contraceptive users, despite some phasal changes in cardiorespiratory and metabolic data in SMC (~6% higher blood glucose and ~2% higher minute ventilation in active pill phase), none of the performance parameters in the FRT were different.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue resistance was compromised only in high-hormone phase of the menstrual cycle, with eumenorrheic females likely susceptible because of increased CHO utilization during SMC. Hormone-induced ventilatory inefficiencies may also have increased metabolic demand. These findings emphasize the need to maintain CHO availability for power production, particularly in high-hormone phases.

Acute effects of fatigue on internal and external load variables determining cyclists' power profile

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.

Training Periodization, Intensity Distribution, and Volume in Trained Cyclists: A Systematic Review

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.

Is the Record Power Profile Repeatable? A Practical Analysis and Interpretation in Professional Cyclists

ABSTRACT

Muriel, X, Hernández-Belmonte, A, Mateo-March, M, Valenzuela, PL, Zabala, M, Barranco-Gil, D, Lucia, A, and Pallares, JG. Is the record power profile repeatable? A practical analysis and interpretation in professional cyclists. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-This study assessed the repeatability of the Record Power Profile (RPP, i.e., the highest power output that a cyclist can attain for different effort durations under field-based conditions). We registered the RPP of 12 professional cyclists (age 32 ± 5 years) for efforts lasting between 30 seconds and 60 minutes during 3 periods of a season, each of 23-day duration: preparation (including training data only), specific (training and competition data), and competition (competition data only) periods. Repeatability was assessed using the highest 2 (RPP 2 ), 3 (RPP 3 ), and 5 (RPP 5 ) values of mean maximum power obtained by the cyclists for each effort duration in each of the 3 periods. Smaller standard errors of measurement ( SEM ) were found as the competitive period approached, especially for short-duration efforts (i.e., 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 5 minutes, where SEM ranged from 4.3 to 12.5%, 4.1-8.5%, and 2.6-7.0% in the preparation, specific, and competition periods, respectively). However, similar SEM values were found in the 3 periods for RPP 2 , RPP 3 , or RPP 5. In conclusion, the RPP appears as a repeatable parameter for monitoring field-based performance within the different phases of the season in professional cyclists.

Field-Derived Maximal Power Output in Cycling: An Accurate Indicator of Maximal Performance Capacity?

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.

Performance Characteristics of TOP5 Versus NOT-TOP5 Races in Female Professional Cycling

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.