Determination of Maximal Aerobic Power on the field in cycling
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose a method for determining the Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP), the time that MAP can be sustained (TMAP) and aerobic endurance capability in cyclists from the Record Power Profile. Methods: 28 cyclists trained and raced with mobile power meter devices (SRM) affixed to their bikes during two consecutive seasons. The Record Power Profile (RPP) of each cyclist was determined in order to draw the relationship between the record power output (PO) and log time for aerobic metabolism. MAP and TMAP were determined along with record PO between 3 and 10 min from the linear extrapolation of aerobic metabolism. The aerobic endurance index (AEI) of each cyclist was assessed with decrease of the fractional use of MAP according to the time. Results: The average values of MAP and TMAP are 456±42 W (6.87±0.5 W.kg-1) and 4.13±0.7 min (CV=17%), respectively. Professional cyclists have a shorter TMAP than elite cyclists (3.86 min vs. 4.46 min) (p<0.05) but a higher MAP: 476 W vs. 433 W (p<0.05) and 7.02 W.kg-1 vs. 6.70 W.kg-1 (p<0.1). AEI ranged between -8.34 and -11.33 (mean AEI=-9.53±0.7), and there is no significant difference in AEI between the two competition levels. Conclusion: Determing MAP, TMAP and AEI from the RPP appears to improve determination of the various intensity zones in cycling, providing a more accurate analysis of the cyclist’s potential and optimising the training process.
Authors and Affiliations
Julien Pinot| University of Franche Comte, EA4660, Health and Sport Department, C3S, France.FDJ.fr Pro Cycling Team, France, Frederic Grappe| University of Franche Comte, EA4660, Health and Sport Department, C3S, France.FDJ.fr Pro Cycling Team, France
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2828
- DOI -
- Views 469
- Downloads 79
The acute effect of whole-body vibration on cycling peak power output
The aim of the present study was to determine if an acute bout of whole-body vibration (WBV) prior to sprint cycling would increase peak power output. Ten male cyclists, all familiar with maximal sprint cycling exercise...
Qualitative body composition of cyclists: bioimpedance vector analysis discriminates different categories of cyclists
Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and the phase-angle (PA), derived from bioelectrical impedance raw values (i.e., resistance, R, and reactance, Xc) allow qualitative and descriptive assessments of body comp...
Development of a multi-directional rating test method for bicycle frame stiffness
The methods for determining the bicycle frame stiffness exist in many forms. Because the stiffness measuring method is not standardized, each bicycle magazine or bicycle constructer uses his own test configuration. This...
The Effects of Varied Terrain and Bicycle Fitting on Aerobic Power Production: Test methodology
Background: Elite cycling occurs over varied terrain and distances, within all of these events the need to maximise performance is of paramount importance. This can be in the form of specific training, nutrition plan or...
A measurement system for the bicycle crank angle using a wireless motion sensor attached to the crank arm
In this study, we propose a system for measuring the rotational angle of a bicycle crank arm. This system consists of a wireless motion sensor with bi-axial acceleration and angular velocity sensors attached to the crank...