scholarly journals Exercise Intensity and Pacing Pattern During a Cross-Country Olympic Mountain Bike Race

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffan Næss ◽  
Ove Sollie ◽  
Øyvind Nøstdahl Gløersen ◽  
Thomas Losnegard
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Critical Power ◽  
Aerobic Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Mountain Bike ◽  
Personal Power ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cross Country

Objective: To examine the power profiles and pacing patterns in relation to critical power (CP) and maximal aerobic power (MAP) output during a cross-country Olympic (XCO) mountain bike race.Methods: Five male and two female national competitive XCO cyclists completed a UCI Cat. 1 XCO race. The races were 19 km and 23 km and contained five (female) and six (male) laps, respectively. Power output (PO) during the race was measured with the cyclists’ personal power meters. On two laboratory tests using their own bikes and power meters, CP and work capacity above CP (W') were calculated using three time trials of 12, 7, and 3 min, while MAP was established based on a 3-step submaximal test and the maximal oxygen uptake from the 7-min time trial.Results: Mean PO over the race duration (96 ± 7 min) corresponded to 76 ± 9% of CP and 63 ± 4% of MAP. 40 ± 8% of race time was spent with PO > CP, and the mean duration and magnitude of the bouts >CP was ~8 s and ~120% of CP. From the first to last lap, time >CP and accumulated W' per lap decreased with 9 ± 6% and 45 ± 17%, respectively. For single >CP bouts, mean magnitude and mean W' expended decreased by 25 ± 8% and 38 ± 15% from the first to the last lap, respectively. Number and duration of bouts did not change significantly between laps.Conclusion: The highly variable pacing pattern in XCO implies the need for rapid changes in metabolic power output, as a result of numerous separate short-lived >CP actions which decrease in magnitude in later laps, but with little lap-to-lap variation in number and duration.

Power Output and Pacing During International Cross-Country Mountain Bike Cycling

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1243-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyril Granier ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss ◽  
Anaël Aubry ◽  
Yvon Vauchez ◽  
Sylvain Dorel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Aerobic Power ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Power ◽  
Mass Ratio ◽  
Mountain Bike ◽  
Fast Start ◽  
World Class ◽  
Physiological Profiles ◽  
Road Cyclists ◽  
Cross Country

Purpose: To characterize the physiological profiles of elite cross-country mountain-bike (XCO-MTB) cyclists and to examine their pacing and power-output (PO) distribution during international races. Methods: Over 2 competitive seasons, 8 male XCO-MTB cyclists (VO2max 79.9 [5.2] mL·min−1·kg−1, maximal aerobic power [MAP] 411 [18] W and 6.3 [0.4] W·kg−1) regularly undertook incremental tests to assess their PO and heart rate (HR) at first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) and at VO2max. During the same period, their PO, HR, speed, and cadence were recorded over 13 international races (total of 30 recorded files). Results: Mean PO, speed, cadence, and HR during the races were 283 (22) W (4.31 [0.32] W·kg−1, 68% [5%] MAP), 19.7 (2.1) km·h−1, 68 (8) rpm, and 172 (11) beats·min−1 (91% [2%] HRmax), respectively. The average times spent below 10% of MAP, between 10% of MAP and VT1, between VT1 and VT2, between VT2 and MAP, and above MAP were 25% (5%), 21% (4%), 13% (3%), 16% (3%), and 26% (5%), respectively. Both speed and PO decreased from the start loop to lap 1 before stabilizing until the end of the race.Conclusions: Elite off-road cyclists demonstrated typical values of world-class endurance cyclists with an excellent power-to-mass ratio. This study demonstrated that XCO-MTB races are performed at higher intensities than reported in previous research and are characterized by a fast start followed by an even pace.

Physiological and Mechanical Indices Serving the New Cross-Country Olympic Mountain Bike Performance

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Arnaud Hays ◽  
Caroline Nicol ◽  
Denis Bertin ◽  
Romain Hardouin ◽  
Jeanick Brisswalter
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Aerobic Power ◽  
Multiple Regression Model ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Power ◽  
Maximum Power ◽  
Active Recovery ◽  
Mountain Bike ◽  
Testing Protocol ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Aerobic Power Output

Objectives: To identify relevant physiological, mechanical, and strength indices to improve the evaluation of elite mountain bike riders competing in the current Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) format. Methods: Considering the evolution of the XCO race format over the last decade, the present testing protocol adopted a battery of complementary laboratory cycling tests: a maximal aerobic consumption, a force–velocity test, and a multi-short-sprint test. A group of 33 elite-level XCO riders completed the entire testing protocol and at least 5 international competitions. Results: Very large correlations were found between the XCO performance and maximal aerobic power output (r = .78; P < .05), power at the second ventilation threshold (r = .83; P < .05), maximal pedaling force (r = .77; P < .05), and maximum power in the sixth sprint (r = .87; P < .05) of the multi-short-sprint test. A multiple regression model revealed that the normalized XCO performance was predicted at 89.2% (F3,29 = 89.507; r = .95; P < .001) by maximum power in the sixth sprint (β = 0.602; P < .001), maximal pedaling rate (β = 0.309; P < .001), and relative maximal aerobic power output (β = 0.329; P < .001). Discussion: Confirming our expectations, the current XCO performance was highly correlated with a series of physiological and mechanical parameters reflecting the high level of acyclic and intermittent solicitation of both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways and the required qualities of maximal force and velocity. Conclusion: The combination of physiological, mechanical, and strength characteristics may thus improve the prediction of elite XCO cyclists’ performance. It seems of interest to evaluate the ability to repeatedly produce brief intensive efforts with short active recovery periods.

scholarly journals Relationship Between the Critical Power Test and a 20-min Functional Threshold Power Test in Cycling

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Karsten ◽  
Luca Petrigna ◽  
Andreas Klose ◽  
Antonino Bianco ◽  
Nathan Townsend ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Power ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Threshold Power ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Power Test ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
The Mean

To investigate the agreement between critical power (CP) and functional threshold power (FTP), 17 trained cyclists and triathletes (mean ± SD: age 31 ± 9 years, body mass 80 ± 10 kg, maximal aerobic power 350 ± 56 W, peak oxygen consumption 51 ± 10 mL⋅min–1⋅kg–1) performed a maximal incremental ramp test, a single-visit CP test and a 20-min time trial (TT) test in randomized order on three different days. CP was determined using a time-trial (TT) protocol of three durations (12, 7, and 3 min) interspersed by 30 min passive rest. FTP was calculated as 95% of 20-min mean power achieved during the TT. Differences between means were examined using magnitude-based inferences and a paired-samples t-test. Effect sizes are reported as Cohen’s d. Agreement between CP and FTP was assessed using the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) method and Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a 91.7% probability that CP (256 ± 50 W) was higher than FTP (249 ± 44 W). Indeed, CP was significantly higher compared to FTP (P = 0.041) which was associated with a trivial effect size (d = 0.04). The mean bias between CP and FTP was 7 ± 13 W and LoA were −19 to 33 W. Even though strong correlations exist between CP and FTP (r = 0.969; P &lt; 0.001), the chance of meaningful differences in terms of performance (1% smallest worthwhile change), were greater than 90%. With relatively large ranges for LoA between variables, these values generally should not be used interchangeably. Caution should consequently be exercised when choosing between FTP and CP for the purposes of performance analysis.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Power Distribution During Cross-Country Mountain Bike Racing

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Bernhard Prinz ◽  
Dieter Simon ◽  
Harald Tschan ◽  
Alfred Nimmerichter
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Power Distribution ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Mountain Bike ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Anaerobic Energy ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Aerobic And Anaerobic

Purpose: To determine aerobic and anaerobic demands of mountain bike cross-country racing. Methods: Twelve elite cyclists (7 males;  = 73.8 [2.6] mL·min-1·kg−1, maximal aerobic power [MAP] = 370 [26] W, 5.7 [0.4] W·kg−1, and 5 females;  = 67.3 [2.9] mL·min−1·kg−1, MAP = 261 [17] W, 5.0 [0.1] W·kg−1) participated over 4 seasons at several (119) international and national races and performed laboratory tests regularly to assess their aerobic and anaerobic performance. Power output, heart rate, and cadence were recorded throughout the races. Results: The mean race time was 79 (12) minutes performed at a mean power output of 3.8 (0.4) W·kg−1; 70% (7%) MAP (3.9 [0.4] W·kg−1 and 3.6 [0.4] W·kg−1 for males and females, respectively) with a cadence of 64 (5) rev·min−1 (including nonpedaling periods). Time spent in intensity zones 1 to 4 (below MAP) were 28% (4%), 18% (8%), 12% (2%), and 13% (3%), respectively; 30% (9%) was spent in zone 5 (above MAP). The number of efforts above MAP was 334 (84), which had a mean duration of 4.3 (1.1) seconds, separated by 10.9 (3) seconds with a mean power output of 7.3 (0.6) W·kg−1 (135% [9%] MAP). Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of the anaerobic energy system and the interaction between anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. Therefore, the ability to perform numerous efforts above MAP and a high aerobic capacity are essential to be competitive in mountain bike cross-country.

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.

Variability in Power Output During Cycling in International Olympic-Distance Triathlon

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 732-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naroa Etxebarria ◽  
Shaun D’Auria ◽  
Judith M. Anson ◽  
David B. Pyne ◽  
Richard A. Ferguson
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Aerobic Power ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Power ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Large Power ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Power Output

Purpose:The patterns of power output in the ~1-h cycle section of Olympic-distance triathlon races are not well documented. Here the authors establish a typical cycling-race profile derived from several International Triathlon Union elite-level draftinglegal triathlon races.Methods:The authors collated 12 different race power profiles from elite male triathletes (N = 5, age 25 ± 5 y, body mass 65.5 ± 5.6 kg; mean ± SD) during 7 international races. Power output was recorded using SRM cranks and analyzed with proprietary software.Results:The mean power output was 252 ± 33 W, or 3.9 ± 0.5 W/kg in relative terms, with a coefficient of variation of 71% ± 13%. Normalized power (power output an athlete could sustain if intensity were maintained constant without any variability) for the entire cycle section was 291 ± 29 W, or 40 ± 13 W higher than the actual mean power output. There were 34 ± 14 peaks of power output above 600 W and ~18% time spent at >100% of maximal aerobic power.Conclusion:Cycling during Olympic-distance triathlon, characterized by frequent and large power variations including repeat supramaximal efforts, equates to a higher workload than cycling at constant power.

Assessment of Child-Specific Aerobic Fitness and Anaerobic Capacity by the Use of the Power-Time Relationships Constants

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 454-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwan Leclair ◽  
Benoit Borel ◽  
Delphine Thevenet ◽  
Georges Baquet ◽  
Patrick Mucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Power ◽  
Aerobic Power ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Constant Load ◽  
Evaluation Methods ◽  
Oxygen Deficit ◽  
Anaerobic Work Capacity ◽  
Accumulated Oxygen Deficit ◽  
Anaerobic Work

This study first aimed to compare critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC), to laboratory standard evaluation methods such as maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD). Secondly, this study compared child and adult CP and AWC values. Subjects performed a maximal graded test to determine V̇O2max and maximal aerobic power (MAP); and four constant load exercises. In children, CP (W.kg−1) was related to V̇O2max (ml.kg−1.min−1; r = .68; p = .004). AWC (J.kg−1) in children was related to MAOD (r = .58; p = .018). Children presented lower AWC (J.kg−1; p = .001) than adults, but similar CP (%MAP) values. CP (%MAP and W.kg−1) and AWC (J.kg−1) were significantly related to laboratory standard evaluation methods but low correlation indicated that they cannot be used interchangeably. CP (%MAP) was similar in children and adults, but AWC (J.kg−1) was significantly lower in children. These conclusions support existing knowledge related to child-adults characteristics.

Predictive validity of critical power for mountain bike cross-country race performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 176 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Inoue ◽  
Camila C. Greco ◽  
Fernando A. Pompeu ◽  
Andrea C. Deslandes ◽  
Tony M. Santos
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Critical Power ◽  
Mountain Bike ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Race Performance

Validation of a Novel Intermittent W′ Model for Cycling Using Field Data

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 900-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip F. Skiba ◽  
David Clarke ◽  
Anni Vanhatalo ◽  
Andrew M. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Roc Curve ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Critical Power ◽  
Intermittent Exercise ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Curve Analysis ◽  
Receiver Operator Characteristic ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
New Development ◽  
The Mean

Recently, an adaptation to the critical-power (CP) model was published, which permits the calculation of the balance of the work capacity available above the CP remaining (W′bal) at any time during intermittent exercise. As the model is now in use in both amateur and elite sport, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the validity of theW′balmodel in the field. Data were collected from the bicycle power meters of 8 trained triathletes.W′balwas calculated and compared between files where subjects reported becoming prematurely exhausted during training or competition and files where the athletes successfully completed a difficult assigned task or race without becoming exhausted. CalculatedW′balwas significantly different between the 2 conditions (P< .0001). The meanW′balat exhaustion was 0.5 ± 1.3 kJ (95% CI = 0–0.9 kJ), whereas the minimumW′balin the nonexhausted condition was 3.6 ± 2.0 kJ (95% CI = 2.1–4.0 kJ). Receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that theW′balmodel is useful for identifying the point at which athletes are in danger of becoming exhausted (area under the ROC curve = .914, SE .05, 95% CI .82–1.0,P< .0001). TheW′balmodel may therefore represent a useful new development in assessing athlete fatigue state during training and racing.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Critical Velocity Estimates to Actual Velocities in Predicting Simulated Rowing Performance

2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D.J. Kennedy ◽  
Gordon J. Bell
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Critical Velocity ◽  
Critical Speed ◽  
Critical Power ◽  
Aerobic Power ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Rowing Performance ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Relationship

The most accurate critical velocity (CV) estimate for the prediction of velocity during a simulated 2,000-m rowing race and the relationship to aerobic power were studied. Sixteen male rowers completed randomized maximal exertion trials (200, 400, 600, 800, 1,000, and 1,200 m), a maximal oxygen consumption [Formula: see text] on a Concept II rowing machine, and an actual 2,000-m simulated rowing race. Three mathematical models were applied to 4 rowing distance combinations producing 12 CV estimates. Seven of the 12 possible CV estimates were not significantly different from actual 2,000-m velocity. Comparison of the 3 CV models using all 6 trial distances revealed that the nonlinear model produced a CV estimate lower than the 2 linear CV models. CV was significantly correlated to [Formula: see text] (r = 0.91) and the mean velocity achieved during the 2,000-m simulated rowing race (r = 0.97). [Formula: see text] was significantly correlated to 2,000-m simulated rowing race velocity (r = 0.93). Key words: maximal oxygen consumption, critical power, critical speed

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