Predicting Cycling Performance in Trained to Elite Male and Female Cyclists

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 610-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P. Lamberts

In high-performance cycling, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between training load and recovery. Recently a new submaximal cycle test, known as the Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT), has been shown to be able to accurately predict cycling performance in 15 well-trained cyclists. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of the LSCT in 102 trained to elite cyclists (82 men and 20 women). All cyclists performed an LSCT test followed by a peak-power-output (PPO) test, which included respiratory-gas analysis for the determination of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). They then performed the LSCT test followed by a 40-km time trial (TT) 72 h later. Average power output during the 3 stages of the LSCT increased from 31%, 60%, and 79% of PPO, while the ratings of perceived exertion increased from 8 to 13 to 16. Very good relationships were found between actual and LSCT-predicted PPO (r = .98, 95%CI: .97–.98, P < .0001), VO2max (r = .96, 95%CI: .97–.99, P < .0001) and 40-km-TT time (r = .98, 95%CI: .94–.97, P < .0001). No gender differences were found when predicting cycling performance from the LSCT (P = .95). The findings of this study show that the LSCT is able to accurately predict cycling performance in trained to elite male and female cyclists and potentially can be used to prescribe and fine-tune training prescription in cycling.

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Newell ◽  
Angus M. Hunter ◽  
Claire Lawrence ◽  
Kevin D. Tipton ◽  
Stuart D. R. Galloway

In an investigator-blind, randomized cross-over design, male cyclists (mean± SD) age 34.0 (± 10.2) years, body mass 74.6 (±7.9) kg, stature 178.3 (±8.0) cm, peak power output (PPO) 393 (±36) W, and VO2max 62 (±9) ml·kg−1min−1 training for more than 6 hr/wk for more than 3y (n = 20) completed four experimental trials. Each trial consisted of a 2-hr constant load ride at 95% of lactate threshold (185 ± 25W) then a work-matched time trial task (~30min at 70% of PPO). Three commercially available carbohydrate (CHO) beverages, plus a control (water), were administered during the 2-hr ride providing 0, 20, 39, or 64g·hr−1 of CHO at a fluid intake rate of 1L·hr−1. Performance was assessed by time to complete the time trial task, mean power output sustained, and pacing strategy used. Mean task completion time (min:sec ± SD) for 39g·hr−1 (34:19.5 ± 03:07.1, p = .006) and 64g·hr−1 (34:11.3 ± 03:08.5 p = .004) of CHO were significantly faster than control (37:01.9 ± 05:35.0). The mean percentage improvement from control was −6.1% (95% CI: −11.3 to −1.0) and −6.5% (95% CI: −11.7 to −1.4) in the 39 and 64g·hr−1 trials respectively. The 20g·hr−1 (35:17.6 ± 04:16.3) treatment did not reach statistical significance compared with control (p = .126) despite a mean improvement of −3.7% (95% CI −8.8−1.5%). No further differences between CHO trials were reported. No interaction between CHO dose and pacing strategy occurred. 39 and 64g·hr−1 of CHO were similarly effective at improving endurance cycling performance compared with a 0g·hr−1 control in our trained cyclists.


2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Williams ◽  
Isaac Selva Raj ◽  
Kristie L. Stucas ◽  
James W. Fell ◽  
Diana Dickenson ◽  
...  

Objectives:Uncoupled cycling cranks are designed to remove the ability of one leg to assist the other during the cycling action. It has been suggested that training with this type of crank can increase mechanical efficiency. However, whether these improvements can confer performance enhancement in already well-trained cyclists has not been reported.Method:Fourteen well-trained cyclists (13 males, 1 female; 32.4 ± 8.8 y; 74.5 ± 10.3 kg; Vo2max 60.6 ± 5.5 mL·kg−1·min−1; mean ± SD) participated in this study. Participants were randomized to training on a stationary bicycle using either an uncoupled (n = 7) or traditional crank (n = 7) system. Training involved 1-h sessions, 3 days per week for 6 weeks, and at a heart rate equivalent to 70% of peak power output (PPO) substituted into the training schedule in place of other training. Vo2max, lactate threshold, gross efficiency, and cycling performance were measured before and following the training intervention. Pre- and post testing was conducted using traditional cranks.Results:No differences were observed between the groups for changes in Vo2max, lactate threshold, gross efficiency, or average power maintained during a 30-minute time trial.Conclusion:Our results indicate that 6 weeks (18 sessions) of training using an uncoupled crank system does not result in changes in any physiological or performance measures in well-trained cyclists.


2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milou Beelen ◽  
Jort Berghuis ◽  
Ben Bonaparte ◽  
Sam B. Ballak ◽  
Asker E. Jeukendrup ◽  
...  

It has been reported previously that mouth rinsing with a carbohydrate-containing solution can improve cycling performance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the impact of such a carbohydrate mouth rinse on exercise performance during a simulated time trial in a more practical, postprandial setting. Fourteen male endurance-trained athletes were selected to perform 2 exercise tests in the morning after consuming a standardized breakfast. They performed an ~1-hr time trial on a cycle ergometer while rinsing their mouths with either a 6.4% maltodextrin solution (CHO) or water (PLA) after every 12.5% of the set amount of work. Borg’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed after every 25% of the set amount of work, and power output and heart rate were recorded continuously throughout the test. Performance time did not differ between treatments and averaged 68.14 ± 1.14 and 67.52 ± 1.00 min in CHO and PLA, respectively (p = .57). In accordance, average power output (265 ± 5 vs. 266 ± 5 W, p = .58), heart rate (169 ± 2 vs. 168 ± 2 beats/min, p = .43), and RPE (16.4 ± 0.3 vs. 16.7 ± 0.3 W, p = .26) did not differ between treatments. Furthermore, after dividing the trial into 8s, no differences in power output, heart rate, or perceived exertion were observed over time between treatments. Carbohydrate mouth rinsing does not improve time-trial performance when exercise is performed in a practical, postprandial setting.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory T. Levin ◽  
Paul B. Laursen ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss

Purpose:To assess the reliability of a 5-min-stage graded exercise test (GXT) and determine the association between physiological attributes and performance over stochastic cycling trials of varying distance.Methods:Twenty-eight well-trained male cyclists performed 2 GXTs and either a 30-km (n = 17) or a 100-km stochastic cycling time trial (n = 9). Stochastic cycling trials included periods of high-intensity efforts for durations of 250 m, 1 km, or 4 km depending on the test being performing.Results:Maximal physiological attributes were found to be extremely reliable (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]: coefficient of variation [CV] 3.0%, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] .911; peak power output [PPO]: CV 3.0%, ICC .913), but a greater variability was found in ventilatory thresholds and economy. All physiological variables measured during the GXT, except economy at 200 W, were correlated with 30-km cycling performance. Power output during the 250-m and 1-km efforts of the 30-km trial were correlated with VO2max, PPO, and the power output at the second ventilatory threshold (r = .58–.82). PPO was the only physiological attributed measured during the GXT to be correlated with performance during the 100-km cycling trial (r = .64).Conclusions:Many physiological variables from a reliable GXT were associated with performance over shorter (30-km) but not longer (100-km) stochastic cycling trials.


Biotecnia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
Ever Espino-González ◽  
María J. Muñoz-Daw ◽  
Juan M. Rivera-Sosa ◽  
María L. De la Torre-Díaz ◽  
Gabriel E. Cano-Olivas ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an amaranth-based beverage (CHO-P) on cycling performance and hydration status, despite containing a total caloric content higher than that of a commercial sports beverage (CHO-P: 52.48 kcal per 100 mL vs CHO: 24 kcal per 100 mL). In a randomized, crossover design, six cyclists performed two exercise tests separated by seven days. Each test comprised two time-trials (32.20 km and 5 km) separated by 10 min of rest. Participants consumed either an amaranth-based beverage (CHO-P; 10% and 1.5% concentrations) or a commercial sports beverage (CHO; 6%). Changes in hematocrit and body mass, ratings of perceived exertion, and average power were assessed throughout both tests. 32.2-km time-trial performance was enhanced with CHO-P compared to CHO (54.3 ± 4.1 min vs 55.6 ± 4.8 min; p<0.05). However, no other variablemeasured in this study was significantly different between beverage types. Further laboratory based research should be performed to further explore the ergogenic potential of amaranth supplementation during endurance exercise.


2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 541-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Desbrow ◽  
Sally Anderson ◽  
Jennifer Barrett ◽  
Elissa Rao ◽  
Mark Hargreaves

The effects of a commercial sports drink on performance in high-intensity cycling was investigated. Nine well-trained subjects were asked to complete a set amount of work as fast as possible (time trial) following 24 h of dietary (subjects were provided with food, energy 57.4 ± 2.4 kcal/kg and carbohydrate 9.1 ± 0.4 g/kg) and exercise control. During exercise, subjects were provided with 14 mL/kg of either 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) solution or carbohydrate-free placebo (P). Results showed that subjects’ performances did not greatly improve (time, 62:34 ± 6:44 min:sec (CHO-E) vs. 62:40 ± 5:35 min:sec (P); average power output, 283.0 ± 25.0 W (CHO-E) vs. 282.9 ± 29.3 W (P), P > 0.05) while consuming the sports drink. It was concluded that CHO-E consumption throughout a 1-h time trial, following a pre-exercise dietary regimen designed to optimize glucose availability, did not improve time or power output to a greater degree than P in well-trained cyclists.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana B. Peinado ◽  
Nuria Romero-Parra ◽  
Miguel A. Rojo-Tirado ◽  
Rocío Cupeiro ◽  
Javier Butragueño ◽  
...  

Context: While a number of studies have researched road-cycling performance, few have attempted to investigate the physiological response in field conditions. Purpose: To describe the physiological and performance profile of an uphill time trial (TT) frequently used in cycling competitions. Methods: Fourteen elite road cyclists (mean ± SD age 25 ± 6 y, height 174 ± 4.2 cm, body mass 64.4 ± 6.1 kg, fat mass 7.48% ± 2.82%) performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion to determine maximal parameters. They then completed a field-based uphill TT in a 9.2-km first-category mountain pass with a 7.1% slope. Oxygen uptake (VO2), power output, heart rate (HR), lactate concentration, and perceived-exertion variables were measured throughout the field-based test. Results: During the uphill TT, mean power output and velocity were 302 ± 7 W (4.2 ± 0.1 W/kg) and 18.7 ± 1.6 km/h, respectively. Mean VO2 and HR were 61.6 ± 2.0 mL · kg−1 · min−1 and 178 ± 2 beats/min, respectively. Values were significantly affected by the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and final kilometers (P < .05). Lactate concentration and perceived exertion were 10.87 ± 1.12 mmol/L and 19.1 ± 0.1, respectively, at the end of the test, being significantly different from baseline measures. Conclusion: The studied uphill TT is performed at 90% of maximum HR and VO2 and 70% of maximum power output. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study assessing cardiorespiratory parameters combined with measures of performance, perceived exertion, and biochemical variables during a field-based uphill TT in elite cyclists.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Broome ◽  
Andrea Braakhuis ◽  
Cameron Mitchell ◽  
Troy Merry

Abstract BackgroundExercise increases skeletal muscle ROS production, which may contribute to the onset of muscular fatigue and impair athletic performance. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants such as MitoQ are becoming popular amongst active individuals as they are designed to accumulate within mitochondria and may provide targeted protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, the effect of MitoQ supplementation on cycling performance is currently unknown. Here we investigate whether MitoQ supplementation can improve cycling performance measured as time to complete an 8 km time trial.MethodIn a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 19 middle-aged (age: 44 ± 4 years) recreationally trained (VO2peak: 58.5 ± 6.2 ml·kg·min− 1, distance cycled per week during six months prior to study enrollment: 158.3 ± 58.4 km) male cyclists completed 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak followed by an 8 km time trial after 28 days of supplementation with MitoQ (20 mg/day) and a placebo. Free F2-isoprostanes were measured in plasma samples collected at rest, after 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak and after completion of the time trial. Respiratory gases and measures of rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected.ResultsMean completion time for the time trial was 1.3% faster with MitoQ (12.91 ± 0.94 min) compared to placebo (13.09 ± 0.95 min, P = 0.04 95% CI [0.05, 2.64], d = 0.2). There was no difference in RPE during the time trial between conditions (P = 0.82) despite average power output during the time trial being higher following MitoQ supplementation (280 ± 53 W) compared to placebo (270 ± 51 W, P = 0.04). Plasma F2-isoprostanes were lower on completion of the time trial following MitoQ supplementation (35.89 ± 13.6 pg/ml) compared to placebo (44.7 ± 16.9 pg/ml P = 0.03).ConclusionThese data suggest that MitoQ supplementation may be an effective nutritional strategy to attenuate exercise-induced increases in oxidative damage to lipids and improve cycling performance.Trial registrationThis study was registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619000451101) on 19th March 2019.


Author(s):  
S. C. Broome ◽  
A. J. Braakhuis ◽  
C. J. Mitchell ◽  
T. L. Merry

Abstract Background Exercise increases skeletal muscle reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which may contribute to the onset of muscular fatigue and impair athletic performance. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants such as MitoQ, which contains a ubiquinone moiety and is targeted to mitochondria through the addition of a lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation, are becoming popular amongst active individuals as they are designed to accumulate within mitochondria and may provide targeted protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, the effect of MitoQ supplementation on cycling performance is currently unknown. Here, we investigate whether MitoQ supplementation can improve cycling performance measured as time to complete an 8 km time trial. Method In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 19 middle-aged (age: 44 ± 4 years) recreationally trained (VO2peak: 58.5 ± 6.2 ml·kg− 1·min− 1, distance cycled per week during 6 months prior to study enrollment: 158.3 ± 58.4 km) male cyclists completed 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak followed by an 8 km time trial after 28 days of supplementation with MitoQ (20 mg·day− 1) and a placebo. Free F2-isoprostanes were measured in plasma samples collected at rest, after 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak and after completion of the time trial. Respiratory gases and measures of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected. Results Mean completion time for the time trial was 1.3% faster with MitoQ (12.91 ± 0.94 min) compared to placebo (13.09 ± 0.95 min, p = 0.04, 95% CI [0.05, 2.64], d = 0.2). There was no difference in RPE during the time trial between conditions (p = 0.82) despite there being a 4.4% increase in average power output during the time trial following MitoQ supplementation compared to placebo (placebo; 270 ± 51 W, MitoQ; 280 ± 53 W, p = 0.04, 95% CI [0.49, 8.22], d = 0.2). Plasma F2-isoprostanes were lower on completion of the time trial following MitoQ supplementation (35.89 ± 13.6 pg·ml− 1) compared to placebo (44.7 ± 16.9 pg·ml− 1p = 0.03). Conclusion These data suggest that MitoQ supplementation may be an effective nutritional strategy to attenuate exercise-induced increases in oxidative damage to lipids and improve cycling performance.


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