Effects of Time of Day on Pacing in a 4-km Time Trial in Trained Cyclists

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 1455-1459
Author(s):  
Emma K. Zadow ◽  
James W. Fell ◽  
Cecilia M. Kitic ◽  
Jia Han ◽  
Sam S. X. Wu
Keyword(s):  
Time Trial ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Tympanic Temperature ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Mean Power Output

Context: Time of day has been shown to impact athletic performance, with improved performance observed in the late afternoon–early evening. Diurnal variations in physiological factors may contribute to variations in pacing selection; however, research investigating time-of-day influence on pacing is limited. Purpose: To investigate the influence of time-of-day on pacing selection in a 4-km cycling time trial (TT). Methods: Nineteen trained male cyclists (mean [SD] age 39.0 [10.7] y, height 1.8 [0.1] m, body mass 78.0 [9.4] kg, VO2max 62.1 [8.7] mL·kg−1·min−1) completed a 4-km TT on 5 separate occasions at 08:30, 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, and 20:30. All TTs were completed in a randomized order, separated by a minimum of 2 d and maximum of 7 d. Results: No time-of-day effects were observed in pacing as demonstrated by similar power outputs over 0.5-km intervals (P = .78) or overall mean power output (333.0 [38.9], 339.8 [37.2], 335.5 [31.2], 336.7 [35.2], and 334.9 [35.7] W; P = .45) when TTs were performed at 08:30, 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, and 20:30. Preexercise tympanic temperature demonstrated a time-of-day effect (P < .001), with tympanic temperature higher at 14:30 and 17:30 than at 08:30 and 11:30. Conclusion: While a biological rhythm was present in tympanic temperature, pacing selection and performance when completing a 4-km cycling TT were not influenced by time of day. The findings suggest that well-trained cyclists can maintain a robust pacing strategy for a 4-km TT regardless of time of the day.

scholarly journals The Influence of Elliptical Chainrings on 10 km Cycling Time Trial Performance

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremiah J. Peiffer ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Cycling Time

The use of elliptical chainrings (also called chainwheels or sprockets) has gained considerable interest in the amateur and professional cycling community. Nevertheless, we are unaware of any scientific studies that have examined the performance benefits of using elliptical chainrings during an actual performance trial. Therefore, this study examined the influence of elliptical chainring use on physiological and performance parameters during a 10 km cycling time trial. Nine male cyclists completed, in a counterbalanced order, three 10 km cycling time trials using either a standard chainring or an elliptical chainring at two distinct settings. An attempt was made to blind the cyclists to the type of chainring used until the completion of the study. During the 10 km time trial, power output and heart rate were recorded at a frequency of 1 Hz and RPE was measured at 3, 6, and 8.5 km. Total power output was not different (P = .40) between the circular (340 ± 30 W) or either elliptical chainring condition (342 ± 29 W and 341 ± 31 W). Similarly, no differences (P = .73) in 2 km mean power output were observed between conditions. Further, no differences in RPE were observed between conditions measured at 3, 6, and 8.5 km. Heart rate was significantly greater (P = .02) using the less aggressive elliptical setting (174 ± 10 bpm) compared with the circular setting (171 ± 9 bpm). Elliptical chainrings do not appear to provide a performance benefit over traditional circular chainrings during a mid-distance time trial.

scholarly journals Single and Combined Effects of Beetroot Crystals and Sodium Bicarbonate on 4-km Cycling Time Trial Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus J. Callahan ◽  
Evelyn B. Parr ◽  
John A. Hawley ◽  
Louise M. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
Beetroot Juice ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Plasma Nitrite ◽  
Mean Power Output

When ingested alone, beetroot juice and sodium bicarbonate are ergogenic for high-intensity exercise performance. This study sought to determine the independent and combined effects of these supplements. Eight endurance trained (VO2max 65 mL·kg·min-1) male cyclists completed four × 4-km time trials (TT) in a doubleblind Latin square design supplementing with beetroot crystals (BC) for 3 days (15 g·day-1 + 15 g 1 h before TT, containing 300 mg nitrate per 15 g), bicarbonate (Bi 0.3 g·kg-1 body mass [BM] in 5 doses every 15 min from 2.5 h before TT); BC+Bi or placebo (PLA). Subjects completed TTs on a Velotron cycle ergometer under standardized laboratory conditions. Plasma nitrite concentrations were significantly elevated only in the BC+Bi trial before the TT (1520 ± 786 nmol·L-1) compared with baseline (665 ± 535 nmol·L-1, p = .02) and the Bi and PLA conditions (Bi: 593 ± 203 nmol·L-1, p < .01; PLA: 543 ± 369 nmol·L-1, p < .01). Plasma nitrite concentrations were not elevated in the BC trial before the TT (1102 ± 218 nmol·L-1) compared with baseline (975 ± 607 nmol·L-1, p > .05). Blood bicarbonate concentrations were increased in the BC+Bi and Bi trials before the TT (BC+Bi: 30.9 ± 2.8 mmol·L-1; Bi: 31.7 ± 1.1 mmol·L-1). There were no differences in mean power output (386–394 W) or the time taken to complete the TT (335.8–338.1 s) between any conditions. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation was not ergogenic for 4-km TT performance.

Physiological Profile of an Uphill Time Trial in Elite Cyclists

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana B. Peinado ◽  
Nuria Romero-Parra ◽  
Miguel A. Rojo-Tirado ◽  
Rocío Cupeiro ◽  
Javier Butragueño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Road Cycling ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Elite Cyclists

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.

scholarly journals Validity of PowerTap P1 Pedals during Laboratory-Based Cycling Time Trial Performance

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Whittle ◽  
Neal Smith ◽  
Simon Jobson
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Valid Measurement ◽  
Measuring Devices ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Maximum Minimum ◽  
Cycling Time ◽  
Trial Performance

The use of mobile power measuring devices has become widespread within cycling, with a number of manufacturers now offering power measuring pedals. This study aimed to investigate the validity of PowerTap P1 pedals by comparing them with the previously validated Wattbike ergometer. Ten trained cyclists performed three simulated 10-mile (16-km) time trials on a Wattbike, while using PowerTap P1 pedals. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between PowerTap P1 pedals and a Wattbike for maximum, minimum, and mean power output, or for maximum, minimum, and mean cadence. There were good to excellent levels of agreement between the PowerTap P1 pedals and Wattbike (ICC > 0.8) for all measured variables except minimum cadence (ICC = 0.619). This suggests that PowerTap P1 pedals provide a valid measurement of power output.

scholarly journals Ingesting a Bitter Solution: The Sweet Touch to Increasing Short-Term Cycling Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 727-732
Author(s):  
Naroa Etxebarria ◽  
Megan L. Ross ◽  
Brad Clark ◽  
Louise M. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Sweet Solution ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Ergometer Test

Purpose: The authors investigated the potential benefit of ingesting 2 mM of quinine (bitter tastant) on a 3000-m cycling time-trial (TT) performance. Methods: Nine well-trained male cyclists (maximal aerobic power: 386 [38] W) performed a maximal incremental cycling ergometer test, three 3000-m familiarization TTs, and four 3000-m intervention TTs (∼4 min) on consecutive days. The 4 interventions were (1) 25 mL of placebo, (2) a 25-mL sweet solution, and (3) and (4) repeat 25 mL of 2-mM quinine solutions (Bitter1 and Bitter2), 30 s before each trial. Participants self-selected their gears and were only aware of distance covered. Results: Overall mean power output for the full 3000 m was similar for all 4 conditions: placebo, 348 (45) W; sweet, 355 (47) W; Bitter1, 354 (47) W; and Bitter2, 355 (48) W. However, quinine administration in Bitter1 and Bitter2 increased power output during the first kilometer by 15 ± 11 W and 21 ± 10 W (mean ± 90% confidence limits), respectively, over placebo, followed by a decay of 34 ± 32 W during Bitter1 and Bitter2 during the second kilometer. Bitter2 also induced a 11 ± 13-W increase during the first kilometer compared with the sweet condition. Conclusions: Ingesting 2 mM of quinine can improve cycling performance during the first one-third of a 3000-m TT and could be used for sporting events lasting ∼80 s to potentially improve overall performance.

Time of day has no influence on performance and pacing during a 4km cycling time trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. e86-e87
Author(s):  
E. Zadow ◽  
C. Kitic ◽  
S. Wu ◽  
C. Abbiss ◽  
J. Peiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Trial ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time

scholarly journals Does caffeine supplementation alter energy contribution during a work-based ~30 min cycling time-trial?

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-481
Author(s):  
Gabriel Barreto ◽  
Rafael Pires da Silva ◽  
Guilherme Yamaguchi ◽  
Luana Farias de Oliveira ◽  
Vitor de Salles Painelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Energy Contribution ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time

Caffeine has been shown to increase anaerobic energy contribution during short-duration cycling time-trials (TT) though no information exists on whether caffeine alters energy contribution during more prolonged, aerobic type TTs. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine supplementation on longer and predominantly aerobic exercise. Fifteen recreationally-trained male cyclists (age 38±8 y, height 1.76±0.07 m, body mass 72.9±7.7 kg) performed a ~30 min cycling TT following either 6 mg·kg-1BM caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PLA) supplementation, and one control (CON) session without supplementation, in a double- -blind, randomised, counterbalance and cross-over design. Mean power output (MPO) was recorded as the outcome measure. Respiratory values were measured throughout exercise for the determination of energy system contribution. Data were analysed using mixed-models. CAF improved mean MPO compared to CON (P=0.01), and a trend towards an improvement compared to PLA (P=0.07); there was no difference in MPO at any timepoint throughout the exercise between conditions. There was a main effect of Condition (P=0.04) and Time (P<0.0001) on blood lactate concentration, which tended to be higher in CAF vs. both PLA and CON (Condition effect, both P=0.07). Ratings of perceived exertion increased over time (P<0.0001), with no effect of Condition or interaction (both P>0.05). Glycolytic energy contribution was increased in CAF compared to CON and PLA (both P<0.05), but not aerobic or ATP-CP (both P>0.05). CAF improved aerobic TT performance compared to CON, which could be explained by increased glycolytic energy contribution.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Variability in Power Output During Indoor and Outdoor Cycling Time Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 1273-1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen Jeffries ◽  
Mark Waldron ◽  
Stephen D. Patterson ◽  
Brook Galna
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Portable Power ◽  
Output Variability ◽  
Competitive Cyclists ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Testing Protocols ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Purpose: Regulation of power output during cycling encompasses the integration of internal and external demands to maximize performance. However, relatively little is known about variation in power output in response to the external demands of outdoor cycling. The authors compared the mean power output and the magnitude of power-output variability and structure during a 20-min time trial performed indoors and outdoors. Methods: Twenty male competitive cyclists ( 60.4 [7.1] mL·kg−1·min−1) performed 2 randomized maximal 20-min time-trial tests: outdoors at a cycle-specific racing circuit and indoors on a laboratory-based electromagnetically braked training ergometer, 7 d apart. Power output was sampled at 1 Hz and collected on the same bike equipped with a portable power meter in both tests. Results: Twenty-minute time-trial performance indoor (280 [44] W) was not different from outdoor (284 [41] W) (P = .256), showing a strong correlation (r = .94; P < .001). Within-persons SD was greater outdoors (69 [21] W) than indoors (33 [10] W) (P < .001). Increased variability was observed across all frequencies in data from outdoor cycling compared with indoors (P < .001) except for the very slowest frequency bin (<0.0033 Hz, P = .930). Conclusions: The findings indicate a greater magnitude of variability in power output during cycling outdoors. This suggests that constraints imposed by the external environment lead to moderate- and high-frequency fluctuations in power output. Therefore, indoor testing protocols should be designed to reflect the external demands of cycling outdoors.

scholarly journals Effect of Warm-Up and Precooling on Pacing During a 15-km Cycling Time Trial in the Heat

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koen Levels ◽  
Lennart P.J. Teunissen ◽  
Arnold de Haan ◽  
Jos J. de Koning ◽  
Bernadet van Os ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Heat Content ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Scalp Cooling ◽  
Ice Slurry ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time

Purpose:The best way to apply precooling for endurance exercise in the heat is still unclear. The authors analyzed the effect of different preparation regimens on pacing during a 15-km cycling time trial in the heat.Methods:Ten male subjects completed four 15-km time trials (30°C), preceded by different preparation regimes: 10 min cycling (WARM-UP), 30 min scalp cooling of which 10 min was cycling (SC+WARM-UP), ice-slurry ingestion (ICE), and ice slurry ingestion + 30 min scalp cooling (SC+ICE).Results:No differences were observed in finish time and mean power output, although power output was lower for WARM-UP than for SC+ICE during km 13–14 (17 ± 16 and 19 ± 14 W, respectively) and for ICE during km 13 (16 ± 16 W). Rectal temperature at the start of the time trial was lower for both ICE conditions (~36.7°C) than both WARMUP conditions (~37.1°C) and remained lower during the first part of the trial. Skin temperature and thermal sensation were lower at the start for SC+ICE.Conclusions:The preparation regimen providing the lowest body-heat content and sensation of coolness at the start (SC+ICE) was most beneficial for pacing during the latter stages of the time trial, although overall performance did not differ.

Effect of Repeated Sodium Phosphate Loading on Cycling Time-Trial Performance and VO2peak

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron P. Brewer ◽  
Brian Dawson ◽  
Karen E. Wallman ◽  
Kym J. Guelfi
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Phosphate ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Time Trial Performance ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Placebo Phase ◽  
Cycling Time ◽  
Trial Performance

Research into supplementation with sodium phosphate has not investigated the effects of a repeated supplementation phase. Therefore, this study examined the potential additive effects of repeated sodium phosphate (SP) supplementation on cycling time-trial performance and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Trained male cyclists (N = 9, M ± SD VO2peak = 65.2 ± 4.8 ml · kg−1 · min−1) completed baseline 1,000-kJ time-trial and VO2peak tests separated by 48 hr, then ingested either 50 mg · kg fat-free mass−1 · d−1 of tribasic SP or a combined glucose and NaCl placebo for 6 d before performing these tests again. A 14-d washout period separated the end of one loading phase and the start of the next, with 2 SP and 1 placebo phase completed in a counterbalanced order. Although time-trial performance (55.3–56.5 min) was shorter in SP1 and SP2 (~60–70 s), effect sizes and smallest-worthwhile-change values did not differ in comparison with baseline and placebo. However, mean power output was greater than placebo during time-trial performance at the 250-kJ and 500-kJ time points (p < .05) after the second SP phase. Furthermore, mean VO2peak values (p < .01) were greater after the SP1 (3.5–4.3%), with further improvements (p < .01) found in SP2 (7.1–7.7%), compared with baseline and placebo. In summary, repeated SP supplementation, ingested either 15 or 35 d after initial loading, can have an additive effect on VO2peak and possibly time-trial performance.

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