Physiological profile of elite Bicycle Motocross cyclists and physiological-perceptual demands of a Bicycle Motocross race simulation

Determinant physiological factors of simulated BMX race

Evaluating the physiological demands of BMX cycling on a track provides coaches with the information required to prescribe more effective training programmes. To determine the relative importance of physiological factors during simulated BMX race, 12 male riders (age 19.2 ± 3.5 years, height 1.76 ± 0.06 m, mass 68.5 ± 4.3 kg) completed a maximum aerobic capacity (V̇O_2max) test in a laboratory, and a week later, completed six laps on a BMX track interspersed by 15 min passive recovery. Peak power, immediate post-lap V̇O_2peak, blood lactate, and heart rate were measured in each lap. Peak power to weight ratio was significantly correlated with lap time, however, the strength of this association decreased in each subsequent lap. Mean V̇O_2peak was greater than 80% of laboratory-measured V̇O_2max in every lap, indicating a strong contribution of the aerobic energy system during BMX racing. This study also identified that mean blood lactate was significantly associated with lap time, which showed the importance of the anaerobic energy system contribution to BMX race. Despite the short period of pedalling during BMX racing, both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems are important contributors to lap performance. Coaches should consider maximising both anaerobic power and aerobic capacity to improve riders' overall performance in multiple laps.