Pacing in a self-paced world record attempt in 24-h road cycling

Case Report: Differences in self-selected pacing in 20, 40, and 60 ironman-distance triathlons: a case study

Background

Triathletes are pushing their limits in multi-stage Ironman-distance triathlons. In the present case study, we investigated the pacing during 20, 40, and 60 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, of one professional IRONMAN® triathlete.

Case study

Event 1 (20 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20 days), Event 2 (40 Ironman-distance triathlons in 40 days), and Event 3 (60 Ironman-distance triathlons in 60 days) were analyzed by discipline (swimming, cycling, running, and overall event time), by Deca intervals (10 days of consecutive Ironman-distance triathlons) and additional data (sleep duration, body mass, heart rate in cycling and running). To test differences between Events and Deca intervals within the same discipline, T-tests (2 groups) or one-way ANOVAs (3 or more groups) were used.

Results

Swimming splits were fastest in Event 1, (ii) cycling and running splits were fastest in both Event 2 and 3, (iii) overall speed was fastest in Event 3, (iv) sleep duration increased during Event 2 but decreased in Event 3, (v) body mass decreased in Event 2, but increased in Event 3 and (vi) heart rate during cycling was similar in both Event 2 and 3. In contrast, heart rate during running was greater in Event 3.

Conclusion

In a professional IRONMAN® triathlete finishing 20, 40, and 60 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, split performances and both anthropometrical and physiological changes such as body mass and heart rate differed depending upon the duration of the events.

Ultra-Cycling- Past, Present, Future: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Ultra-endurance events are gaining popularity in multiple exercise disciplines, including cycling. With increasing numbers of ultra-cycling events, aspects influencing participation and performance are of interest to the cycling community.

MAIN BODY

The aim of this narrative review was, therefore, to assess the types of races offered, the characteristics of the cyclists, the fluid and energy balance during the race, the body mass changes after the race, and the parameters that may enhance performance based on existing literature. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the search terms 'ultracycling', 'ultra cycling', 'ultra-cycling', 'ultra-endurance biking', 'ultra-bikers' and 'prolonged cycling'. The search yielded 948 results, of which 111 were relevant for this review. The studies were classified according to their research focus and the results were summarized. The results demonstrated changes in physiological parameters, immunological and oxidative processes, as well as in fluid and energy balance. While the individual race with the most published studies was the Race Across America, most races were conducted in Europe, and a trend for an increase in European participants in international races was observed. Performance seems to be affected by characteristics such as age and sex but not by anthropometric parameters such as skin fold thickness. The optimum age for the top performance was around 40 years. Most participants in ultra-cycling events were male, but the number of female athletes has been increasing over the past years. Female athletes are understudied due to their later entry and less prominent participation in ultra-cycling races. A post-race energy deficit after ultra-cycling events was observed.

CONCLUSION

Future studies need to investigate the causes for the observed optimum race age around 40 years of age as well as the optimum nutritional supply to close the observed energy gap under consideration of the individual race lengths and conditions. Another research gap to be filled by future studies is the development of strategies to tackle inflammatory processes during the race that may persist in the post-race period.

Biophysical characterization of the first ultra-cyclist in the world to break the 1,000 km barrier in 24-h non-stop road cycling: A case report

A plethora of factors determine elite cycling performance. Those include training characteristics, pacing strategy, aerodynamics, nutritional habits, psychological traits, physical fitness level, body mass composition, and contextual features; even the slightest changes in any of these factors can be associated with performance improvement or deterioration. The aim of the present case report is to compare the performances of the same ultra-cyclist in achieving two world records (WR) in 24 h cycling. We have analyzed and compared the distance covered and speed for each WR. The 24 h period was split into four-time intervals (0–6 h; > 6–12 h; > 12–18 h; > 18–24 h), and we compared the differences in the distance covered and speed between the two WRs. For both WRs, a strong negative correlation between distance and speed was confirmed (r = –0.85; r = –0.89, for old and new WR, respectively). Differences in speed (km/h) were shown between the two WRs, with the most significant differences in 12–18 h (Δ = 6.50 km/h). For the covered distance in each block, the most significant differences were observed in the last part of the cycling (Δ = 38.54 km). The cyclist effective surface area (ACd) was 0.25 m² less and 20% more drag in the new WR. Additionally, the mechanical power was 8%, the power to overcome drag was 31%, and the power-weight ratio was 8% higher in the new WR. The mechanical efficiency of the cyclist was 1% higher in the new WR. Finally, the heart rate (HR) presented significant differences for the first 6 h (Old WR: 145.80 ± 5.88 bpm; New WR: 139.45 ± 5.82 bpm) and between the 12 and 18 h time interval (Old WR: 133.19 ± 3.53 bpm; New WR: 137.63 ± 2.80 bpm). The marginal gains concept can explain the performance improvement in the new WR, given that the athlete made some improvements in technical specifications after the old WR.

Racing and Training Physiology of an Elite Ultra-Endurance Cyclist: Case Study of 2 Record-Setting Performances

PURPOSE

To present a case report of an elite ultra-endurance cyclist, who was the winner and course record holder of 2 distinct races within a 4-month span: a 24-hour solo cycling race and a 2-man team multiday race (Race Across America).

METHODS

The athlete's raw data (cycling power, heart rate [HR], speed, and distance) were obtained and analyzed for 2 ultra-endurance races and 11 weeks of training in between.

RESULTS

For the 24-hour race, the athlete completed 861.6 km (average speed 35.9 km·h-1, average power 210 W [2.8 W·kg-1], average HR 121 beats per minute) with a 37% decrease in power and a 22% decrease in HR throughout the race. During the 11 weeks between the 24-hour race and Race Across America, training intensity distribution (Zone 1/2/3) based on HR was 51%/39%/10%. For the Race Across America, total team time to complete the 4939-km race was 6 days, 10 hours, 39 minutes, at an average speed of 31.9 km·h-1. Of this, the athlete featured in this case study rode 75.2 hours, completing 2532 km (average speed 33.7 km·h-1, average power 203 W [2.7 W·kg-1]), with a 12% decrease in power throughout the race. Power during daytime segments was greater than nighttime (212 [25] vs 189 [18] W, P < .001, ηp2=.189).

CONCLUSIONS

This case report highlights the performance requirements of elite ultra-endurance cycling. Although average power was similar when riding for 24 hours continuously and 75 hours intermittently over 6.5 days, there were large differences in pacing strategies and within-day power-output changes.

Self-Selected Pacing During a World Record Attempt in 40 Ironman-Distance Triathlons in 40 Days

The present case study analyzed performance, pacing, and potential predictors in a self-paced world record attempt of a professional triathlete to finish 40 Ironman-distance triathlons within 40 days. Split times (i.e., swimming, cycling, running) and overall times, body weight, daily highest temperature, wind speed, energy expenditure, mean heart rate, and sleeping time were recorded. Non-linear regressions were applied to investigate changes in split and overall times across days. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to test which variables showed the greatest influence on the dependent variables cycling, running and overall time. The athlete completed the 40×Ironman distances in a total time of 444:22 h:min. He spent 50:26 h:min in swimming, 245:37 h:min in cycling, 137:17 h:min in running and 11:02 h:min in transition times. Swimming and cycling times became slower across days, whereas running times got faster until the 20th day and, thereafter, became slower until the 40th day. Overall times got slower until the 15th day, became faster to 31st, and started then to get slower until the end. Wind speed, previous day’s race time and average heart race during cycling were significant independent variables influencing cycling time. Body weight and average heart rate during running were significant independent variables influencing running performance. Cycling performance, running performance, and body weight were significant independent variables influencing overall time. In summary, running time was influenced by body weight, cycling by wind speed, and overall time by both running and cycling performances.

Self-Selected Pacing during a 24 h Track Cycling World Record

The present case study analyzed the pacing in a self-paced world record attempt during a 24 h track cycling event by the current world record holder. The cyclist completed 3767 laps on a 250 m long cycling track and covered a total distance of 941.873 km, breaking the existing world record by 37.99 km. The average cycling speed was 39.2 ± 1.9 km/h (range 35.5–42.8 km/h) and the power output measured was 214.5 ± 23.7 W (range 190.0–266.0 W) during the 24 h of cycling. We found a positive pacing result with negative correlations between cycling speed (r = −0.73, p < 0.001), power output (r = −0.66, p < 0.001), and laps per hour (r = −0.73, p < 0.001) and the covered distance. During the 24 h, we could identify four different phases: the first phase lasting from the start till the fourth hour with a relatively stable speed; the second phase from the fourth till the ninth hour, characterized by the largest decrease in cycling speed; the third phase from the ninth hour till the 22nd hour, showing relatively small changes in cycling speed; and the last phase from the 22nd hour till the end, presenting a final end spurt. The performance in the 24 h track cycling was 45.577 km better than in the 24 h road cycling, where the same athlete cycled slower but with higher power output. In summary, the current world-best ultracyclist covered more kilometers with less power output during the world record 24 h track cycling than during his world record 24 h road cycling. This was most probably due to the more favorable environmental conditions in the velodrome, which has no wind and stable temperatures.

Pacing and Changes in Body Composition in 48 h Ultra-Endurance Running-A Case Study

Pacing has been investigated in elite and master runners competing in marathon and ultra-marathon races up to 100 km and 100 miles, but not in longer ultra-marathons. In this case study, a 54-year-old master ultra-marathoner—intending to achieve as many kilometers as possible in a 48 h run—was examined. The changes in running speed during the race and selected anthropometric characteristics using bioelectrical impedance analysis (i.e., body mass and body water), during and after the race, were analyzed. The runner achieved a total distance of 230 km and running speed decreased non-linearly during the race. Body mass decreased, while percent body water increased, non-linearly, across the race. There was no statistically significant relationship between the decrease in body mass and the increase in percent body water. Considering the popularity of ultra-endurance running races, the findings of the present study offered valuable insight in the pacing and changes of body mass and body water during a 48 h run, and this information can be used by ultra-endurance runners and practitioners working with them.

Performance and physiological analysis of 500 km non-stop cycling: a case study

Ultra-endurance sports have gained popularity over the last years. In this case, a well-trained cyclist completed 503.5 km non-stop (33.3 km.h^-1). Speed and power output were reduced during the trial, being the reduction of power attributable to changes in pedal velocity rather than pedal forces. Heart rate (HR) showed an initial cardiovascular drift and progressively decreased independently of power. A decreased HR variability, a marked inflammatory response, signs of muscle damage and alterations of the haematological profile were observed after the trial. These adverse physiological effects were still present 24-48 h after exercise. A reduction in handgrip maximal voluntary contraction was observed immediately after the trial and 24 h later despite these muscles being minimally active during exercise. These findings show the high levels of stress to which the organism is subjected during ultra-endurance exercise even in the case of a trained cyclist.

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Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über einen übergewichtigen Läufer mittleren Alters, der sich gezielt auf einen 24-h-Lauf vorbereitet hat mit dem Ziel, 100 Meilen (160,93 km) zu laufen und den Abbau des viszeralen Fettes zu dokumentieren. Es zeigte sich, dass der Läufer in der Lage war, konstant mit einer Geschwindigkeit von fast 7 km/h durchzulaufen, dabei mehr als 164 km erzielte und 1 kg viszerales Fett verlor. Im Alltag werden umgerechnet rund vier Marathons benötigt, um 1 kg viszerales Fett zu verlieren.

Sex differences in pacing during 'Ultraman Hawaii'

Background

To date, little is known for pacing in ultra-endurance athletes competing in a non-stop event and in a multi-stage event, and especially, about pacing in a multi-stage event with different disciplines during the stages. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of age, sex and calendar year on triathlon performance and variation of performance by events (i.e., swimming, cycling 1, cycling 2 and running) in ‘Ultraman Hawaii’ held between 1983 and 2015.

Methods

Within each sex, participants were grouped in quartiles (i.e., Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4) with Q1 being the fastest (i.e., lowest overall time) and Q4 the slowest (i.e., highest overall time). To compare performance among events (i.e., swimming, cycling 1, cycling 2 and running), race time in each event was converted in z score and this value was used for further analysis.

Results

A between-within subjects ANOVA showed a large sex × event (p = 0.015, η² = 0.014) and a medium performance group × event interaction (p = 0.001, η² = 0.012). No main effect of event on performance was observed (p = 0.174, η² = 0.007). With regard to the sex × event interaction, three female performance groups (i.e., Q2, Q3 and Q4) increased race time from swimming to cycling 1, whereas only one male performance group (Q4) revealed a similar trend. From cycling 1 to cycling 2, the two slower female groups (Q3 and Q4) and the slowest male group (Q4) increased raced time. In women, the fastest group decreased (i.e., improved) race time from swimming to cycling 1 and thereafter, maintained performance, whereas in men, the fastest group decreased race time till cycling 2 and increased it in the running.

Conclusion

In summary, women pace differently than men during ‘Ultraman Hawaii’ where the fastest women decreased performance on day 1 and could then maintain on day 2 and 3, whereas the fastest men worsened performance on day 1 and 2 but improved on day 3.