scholarly journals The individual time trial as an optimal control problem

2017 ◽  
Vol 231 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny de Jong ◽  
Robbert Fokkink ◽  
Geert Jan Olsder ◽  
AL Schwab
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Control ◽  
Optimal Control Problem ◽  
Control Problem ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Singular Control ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Cycling Time

In a cycling time trial, the rider needs to distribute his power output optimally to minimize the time between start and finish. Mathematically, this is an optimal control problem. Even for a straight and flat course, its solution is non-trivial and involves a singular control, which corresponds to a power that is slightly above the aerobic level. The rider must start at full anaerobic power to reach an optimal speed and maintain that speed for the rest of the course. If the course is flat but not straight, then the speed at which the rider can round the bends becomes crucial.

scholarly journals Metabolic consequences of β-alanine supplementation during exhaustive supramaximal cycling and 4000-m time-trial performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 864-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip M. Bellinger ◽  
Clare L. Minahan
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Cycling Test ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Aerobic And Anaerobic

The present study investigated the effects of β-alanine supplementation on the resultant blood acidosis, lactate accumulation, and energy provision during supramaximal-intensity cycling, as well as the aerobic and anaerobic contribution to power output during a 4000-m cycling time trial (TT). Seventeen trained cyclists (maximal oxygen uptake = 4.47 ± 0.55 L·min−1) were administered 6.4 g of β-alanine (n = 9) or placebo (n = 8) daily for 4 weeks. Participants performed a supramaximal cycling test to exhaustion (equivalent to 120% maximal oxygen uptake) before (PreExh) and after (PostExh) the 4-week supplementation period, as well as an additional postsupplementation supramaximal cycling test identical in duration and power output to PreExh (PostMatch). Anaerobic capacity was quantified and blood pH, lactate, and bicarbonate concentrations were measured pre-, immediately post-, and 5 min postexercise. Subjects also performed a 4000-m cycling TT before and after supplementation while the aerobic and anaerobic contributions to power output were quantified. β-Alanine supplementation increased time to exhaustion (+12.8 ± 8.2 s; P = 0.041) and anaerobic capacity (+1.1 ± 0.7 kJ; P = 0.048) in PostExh compared with PreExh. Performance time in the 4000-m TT was reduced following β-alanine supplementation (−6.3 ± 4.6 s; P = 0.034) and the mean anaerobic power output was likely to be greater (+6.2 ± 4.5 W; P = 0.035). β-Alanine supplementation increased time to exhaustion concomitant with an augmented anaerobic capacity during supramaximal intensity cycling, which was also mirrored by a meaningful increase in the anaerobic contribution to power output during a 4000-m cycling TT, resulting in an enhanced overall performance.

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.

scholarly journals Influence of Environmental Temperature on 40 km Cycling Time-Trial Performance

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremiah J. Peiffer ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss
Keyword(s):  
Core Temperature ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
Core Body Temperature ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Time Trial Performance ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Pacing Strategies ◽  
Cycling Time ◽  
Trial Performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of environmental temperature on variability in power output, self-selected pacing strategies, and performance during a prolonged cycling time trial. Nine trained male cyclists randomly completed four 40 km cycling time trials in an environmental chamber at 17°C, 22°C, 27°C, and 32°C (40% RH). During the time trials, heart rate, core body temperature, and power output were recorded. The variability in power output was assessed with the use of exposure variation analysis. Mean 40 km power output was significantly lower during 32°C (309 ± 35 W) compared with 17°C (329 ± 31 W), 22°C (324 ± 34 W), and 27°C (322 ± 32 W). In addition, greater variability in power production was observed at 32°C compared with 17°C, as evidenced by a lower (P = .03) standard deviation of the exposure variation matrix (2.9 ± 0.5 vs 3.5 ± 0.4 units, respectively). Core temperature was greater (P < .05) at 32°C compared with 17°C and 22°C from 30 to 40 km, and the rate of rise in core temperature throughout the 40 km time trial was greater (P < .05) at 32°C (0.06 ± 0.04°C·km–1) compared with 17°C (0.05 ± 0.05°C·km–1). This study showed that time-trial performance is reduced under hot environmental conditions, and is associated with a shift in the composition of power output. These finding provide insight into the control of pacing strategies during exercise in the heat.

Power Output Demands of Womenʼs Road Cycling Time Trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 38 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S235 ◽  
Author(s):  
David T. Martin ◽  
Hamilton Lee ◽  
Cassie Trewin ◽  
James Victor ◽  
Warren McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Road Cycling ◽  
Cycling Time

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.

The Influence of Blood Removal on Pacing During a 4-Minute Cycling Time Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1085-1092
Author(s):  
Nathan G. Lawler ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss ◽  
Aaron Raman ◽  
Timothy J. Fairchild ◽  
Garth L. Maker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Energy Contribution ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Baseline Testing ◽  
Average Power Output ◽  
Rate Of Decline ◽  
Aerobic And Anaerobic ◽  
Cycling Time

Purpose:To examine the influence of manipulating aerobic contribution after whole-blood removal on pacing patterns, performance, and energy contribution during self-paced middle-distance cycling.Methods:Seven male cyclists (33 ± 8 y) completed an incremental cycling test followed 20 min later by a 4-min self-paced cycling time trial (4MMP) on 6 separate occasions over 42 d. The initial 2 sessions acted as familiarization and baseline testing, after which 470 mL of blood was removed, with the remaining sessions performed 24 h, 7 d, 21 d, and 42 d after blood removal. During all 4MMP trials, power output, oxygen uptake, and aerobic and anaerobic contribution to power were determined.Results:4MMP average power output significantly decreased by 7% ± 6%, 6% ± 8%, and 4% ± 6% at 24 h, 7 d, and 21 d after blood removal, respectively. Compared with baseline, aerobic contribution during the 4MMP was significantly reduced by 5% ± 4%, 4% ± 5%, and 4% ± 10% at 24 h, 7 d, and 21 d, respectively. The rate of decline in power output on commencement of the 4MMP was significantly attenuated and was 76% ± 20%, 72% ± 24%, and 75% ± 35% lower than baseline at 24 h, 21 d, and 42 d, respectively.Conclusion:Removal of 470 mL of blood reduces aerobic energy contribution, alters pacing patterns, and decreases performance during self-paced cycling. These findings indicate the importance of aerobic energy distribution during self-paced middle-distance events.

POWER OUTPUT AS A MEANS OF PACING DURING CYCLING TIME TRIAL PERFORMANCE

2003 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S274
Author(s):  
B Garcia ◽  
J Peiffer ◽  
J Talanian ◽  
I E. Faria ◽  
R Quintana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Time Trial Performance ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time ◽  
Trial Performance

scholarly journals The effects of block training on pacing during 20-km cycling time trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor Pereira Costa ◽  
Luiz Guilherme Antonacci Guglielmo ◽  
Carl David Paton
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Short Period ◽  
High Intensity Interval ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Cycling Time

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of block training (BL) on pacing during a 20-km hilly cycling time trial (TT) in trained cyclists. Twenty male cyclists were separated into 2 groups: control and BL. The training of each cyclist was monitored during a period of 3 weeks. In the first week cyclists performed an overload period of 7 consecutive days of high-intensity interval training followed by 2 weeks of normal training. Cyclists performed 1 TT before intervention and 2 TT after 7 and 14 days at the end of training. Each training session consisted of 10 sets of 3 repeated maximal-effort sprints (15, 30, and 45 s) with an effort/recovery duration ratio of 1:5. The main finding of this study was that the power output displayed a significantly higher start from the start until the halfway point of the TT (p < 0.05). Additionally, power output was characterized by a significant higher end spurt in the final 2 km in the BL after 2 weeks at the end of training (p < 0.05). In addition, after 2 weeks at the end of the overload period the distribution of cadence was significantly lower throughout the TT (p < 0.01). Therefore, a short period of consecutive days of intense training enhances cycling performance and changes the power output in the beginning and final part of the TT in trained cyclists.

Optimal cycling time trial position models: Aerodynamics versus power output and metabolic energy

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1894-1898 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.M. Fintelman ◽  
M. Sterling ◽  
H. Hemida ◽  
F.-X. Li
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Time

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.

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