AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze climbing performance across two editions of
a professional multistage race, and assess the influence of climb category,
prior workload, and intensity measures on climbing performance in U23 and
professional cyclists. Nine U23 cyclists (age 20.8±0.9 years) and 8
professional cyclists (28.1±3.2 years) participated in this study. Data
were divided into four types: overall race performance, climb category, climbing
performance metrics (power output, ascent velocity, speed), and workload and
intensity measures. Differences in performance metrics and workload and
intensity measures between groups were investigated. Power output, ascent
velocity, speed were higher in professionals than U23 cyclists for Cat 1 and Cat
2 (p≤0.001–0.016). Workload and intensity measures
(Worktotal, Worktotal∙km-1,
Elevationgain, eTRIMP and eTRIMP∙km-1) were
higher in U23 compared to professionals (p=0.002–0.014).
Climbing performance metrics were significantly predicted by prior workload and
intensity measures for Cat 1 and 2 (R2=0.27–0.89,
p≤0.001–0.030) but not Cat 3. These findings reveal that
climbing performance in professional road cycling is influenced by climb
categorization as well as prior workload and intensity measures. Combined, these
findings suggest that Cat 1 and 2 climbing performance could be predicted from
workload and intensity measures.
Characterisation of cyclists’ willingness to pay for green initiatives at Africa’s largest cycle tour