Racing Demands of Off-Road Triathlon: A Case Study of a National Champion Masters Triathlete

(1) Background: This report examines the unique demands of off-road triathlon (XT) by presenting physiological, field, and race data from a national champion off-road triathlete using several years of laboratory and field data to detail training and race intensity. (2) Methods: Laboratory and field data were collected when the athlete was at near peak fitness and included oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), power output (W), and blood lactate (BLC) during cycling and running, while HR, cycling W, and running metrics were obtained from training and race data files over a period of seven years. Intensity was described using % HR max zones (Z) 1 < 75%, 2 = 75–87%, and Zone 3 > 87%, and W. An ordinary least squares analysis was used to model differences between event types. (3) Results: Weather conditions were not different across events. XT events had twice the elevation change (p < 0.01) and two-three times greater anaerobic work capacity (W’) (p < 0.001) than road triathlon (ROAD), but similar HR intensity profiles (max, avg, and zones); both events are predominately performed at >Z2 or higher intensity. Championship XT events were longer (p < 0.01), with higher kJ expenditure (p < 0.001). Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) modelling suggested three variables were strongly related (R2 = 0.84; p < 0.0001) to cycling performance: event type (XT vs ROAD), total meters climbed, and total bike duration. Championship XT runs were slower than either regional (p < 0.05) or ROAD (p < 0.01) runs, but HR intensity profiles similar. OLS modelling indicates that slower running is linked to either greater total bike kJ expenditure (R2 = 0.57; p < 0.001), or total meters gained (R2 = 0.52; p < 0.001). Race simulation data support these findings but failed to produce meaningful differences in running. Conclusions: XT race demands are unique and mirror mountain bike (MTB) and trail running demands. XT athletes must be mindful of developing anaerobic fitness, technical ability, and aerobic fitness, all of which contribute to off-road cycling economy. It is unclear whether XT cycling affects subsequent running performance different from ROAD cycling.

Exploring the Effect of Pacing Plan Feedback for Professional Road Cycling

In road cycling, cyclists strategically use their energetic resources in unique race-specific circumstances. For time-trial events, professional cycling teams design pacing plans aimed at the effective management of anaerobic work capacities of individual cyclists, allowing for more consistent speeds and therefore, faster times. Patently, adherence to such plans is essential. This paper reports on a field user-study on the effectiveness of providing a pacing plan to cyclists with the following information: (1) printed table alongside a display device with non-processed information (power, distance); and (2) aggregated, processed, just-in-time information on the same device (past, present, prospective; power, distance, W’). In both conditions, 15 road cyclists completed an 8 km open route mimicking race conditions, while adhering to pre-set pacing plans designed relative to their individual critical-power capabilities. Results indicated a linear load-to-adherence relationship and better adherence in condition (2). These findings will help guide future designs of adaptive feedback mechanisms for professional road cycling.

Chronic metformin intake improves anaerobic but not aerobic capacity in healthy rats

The effect of chronic metformin intake on aerobic and anaerobic capacity was examined in healthy rats. Twenty rats completed 10 days of metformin (MET) ingestion (250 mg). After this period, the animals performed four high-intensity bouts until exhaustion at 9%, 11%, 13%, and 15% of body mass (BM) in swimming, separated by 24 h, with prior metformin (250 mg) or placebo (PL). The critical load (CL) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC – W′) were calculated and considered aerobic and anaerobic capacity, respectively. There was no difference in CL between the MET and PL groups (p > 0.05). The AWC – W′ was higher in the MET group than in the PL group (p = 0.004). Time until exhaustion (seconds) at all bouts were higher (p < 0.004) in the MET group (9% of BM = 434.5 ± 267.3, 11% of BM = 269.6 ± 214.2, 13% of BM = 174.0 ± 40.9, 15% of BM = 146.6 ± 15.9) compared to the PL group (9% of BM = 96.4 ± 22.3, 11% of BM = 65.5 ± 13.4, 13% of BM = 51.1 ± 5.5, 15% of BM = 40.8 ± 7.5). Glucose concentration was higher at 90 and 120 min than at 0 and 30 min for the MET group (intragroup) during the oral glucose test tolerance; there was no difference between the MET and PL groups for area under curve. MET ingestion enhances AWC – W′ and times to exhaustion but not aerobic capacity.

Features of a functional state and special working capacity, highly skilled athletes, taking into account type of the vegetative regulation of a cordial rhythm

The results of research of high-speed, speed-strength abilities and special anaerobic endurance in highly skilled male and female athletes are presented. It is established, that the indices of physical working capacity depend on the type of vegetative regulation of the heart rhythm. Athletes (male and women), who have the same level of skill with moderate dominance of central mechanisms vegetative regulation of a cordial rhythm, significantly higher speed-strength indicators. In particular, for men, with moderate dominance of central mechanisms vegetative regulation of a cordial rhythm (1 type), during the work in the anaerobic mode, gather higher speed, which on 4,1% is statistically higher in comparison with athletes with moderate domination of the autonomous mechanism of regulation of a cordial rhythm (3 type). At the same time, the time of achievement of frequency of rotation of pedals of a veloergometer, equal 70% of the maximum size, they on 3% (р0,05) less. The women, with the 1 type of a regulation of a cordial rhythm, indicators of absolute, average and relative power (р0,05) on 1,6; 2,6 and 8,9 higher. With an increase in the duration of anaerobic work, the indices of special endurance are statistically reliably higher in athletes with moderate dominance of the autonomous regulatory mechanism. For example, for men, the indicator of total work power on 4,2% higher, and indicators of maximum, average and relative power by 2,4;2,9 and 1,9%, respectively (p0,05). The women, with type III multiple scores, the rates were significantly higher by 3,2; 4,2;4,1; 3,6%, respectively (p0,05).

PO-122 Influence of Winter Training on Physiological and Biochemical Indexes of Bicyclist

Objective The research took the bicyclists in Zhejiang for preparing of the Thirteenth National Games in winter training as the subjects. Through physiological and biochemical index of testing during the winter training, we attempted to find out some rules or problems by exploring the characteristics of their training during winter training, Reached on body function and the training intensity of athletes for effective monitoring and adjustment effect during winter training, and to provide a reference for the development of scientific in bicycle training. Methods During the long term bicycle training, some physical fitness evaluation indices includingVO2max,anaerobic power,body composition,Hb,Bun,CK,T and NEUT% were tested and analyzed systematically. Master the bike athletes body function changes during the winter training, and discuss the relationship between these indexes and body function condition. Results VO2 max, VO2 max relative value almost no change during the winter training; The Large Anaerobic work, 30s average anaerobic work and an body composition indicators no significant difference (p < 0.05), but had a significant change. Hb, Bun, CK,T,NEUT% based standard value in the normal range, throughout the winter training period, Hb, BUN and CK, T, NEUT % has experienced cyclical changes along with the change of sports load: Hb, T at the beginning of the winter training has a downward trend, CK and NEUT % in the early part of the winter training has a rising trend, but as for the winter training gradually restored, BUN rising during the winter training, two weeks before the end of winter training to get down. Conclusions 1, the pros and cons of aerobic capacity is not the main factors influencing the cycling short athlete special performance, but of eliminating anaerobic lactic acid after training to play an active role, aerobic ability training should be strengthened. 2, anaerobic metabolism energy is the important factors that affect cycling short athlete sport result, peak power and 30s average power to scientific evaluation of the athlete's training effect. 3, decreased body fat percentage and lean body mass increase, to improve the athlete special scores play a positive role. 4, during the winter training athletes Hb, CK, T, NEUT % changes over motion load, NEUT % can be used as auxiliary training monitoring indexes of female athletes on the biochemical indexes of the sensitivity is higher than male athletes. 5, in the case of lean body mass is not fall, blood urea to maintain at a high level of cycling short athletes may not bring much impact performance. 6, Because of the mobilization can bear the load and strength are not the same, the same load and intensity produced by the reflect function will not the same, further analysis is needed to combined with physiological and biochemical indexes and individual training plan situation carries on the comprehensive consideration, so as to improve the accuracy of measurement analysis.

PO-025 The application of serum creatinine in training monitoring

Objective Study the role of serum creatinine in physiological function assessment of weightlifters combined with other indexes, in order to evaluate the effect of phased training and arrange training plan scientifically. Methods Taking weightlifters as the main research object, the sports features of Cr, the correlation between Cr and body composition, Cr and physical ability of the athletes were studied, and the exercise load of the athletes were monitored with other physiological and biochemical indexes. Results There was a significant difference in Cr value between anaerobic metabolism (ATP-CP and glycolysis) and aerobic metabolism (p < 0.01); Cr was highly correlated with lean body weight, skeletal muscle content and BMI (R2 was 0.562, 0.574, 0.871 respectively); Cr was basically consistent with the change trend of hemoglobin, testosterone, creatinine kinase and other physiological and biochemical indicators in terms of training monitoring; Cr was highly correlated with maximum anaerobic work,average anaerobic work and maximum anaerobic work/body weight (R2 was 0.625, 0.707, 0.660 respectively). Conclusions In the sports dominated by phosphoric acid, Cr can be used to assess athletes muscle mass and non-invasive measuring level of creatine phosphate in the body. The change of Cr concentration in human body is closely related to athletic train.It can be used to control the quantity and intensity of exercise more scientifically combined with other indexes. At the same time,it can monitor the function of the kidneys in the training process. When the Cr is abnormally higher than the personal threshold,it is necessary to pay attention to the physical function of the athletes, such as diet, nutrient, weight loss control etc. Moreover,excessive fatigue should be adjusted in time to avoid overincrease of Cr which may cause kidney damage.