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

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...

Designing a Cost-Effective Power Profile Test for Talent Identification Programs

Cycling is of increasing popularity among the world. World Cycling Centre (UCI-WCC) offers training and development for around 100 talented athletes every year, with three permanent groups in the Olympic disciplines of r...

Analysis of Mean Maximal Power in cycling with a modified Critical Power model allowing for a non-constant Anaerobic Work Capacity

Introduction: Since its introduction by Monod and Sherrer1 the Critical Power model has been applied to the analysis of cycling performances. In this model the Critical Power CP is the highest power that can be sustained...

The effect of aerodynamic characteristics on the drafting effect in track cycling

Since the aim of the men’s team pursuit is to accomplish a distance of 4000m as fast as possible, reducing aerodynamic drag by means of drafting can attribute in achieving this goal. Broker et al.1 quantified the average...

Quantification of vibrations during mountain biking

Background: During cross-country mountain biking, riders are subjected to vibrations due to the terrain, which must be damped before reaching the central nervous system. Damping vibrations requires work, which may help...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP2828
  • DOI -
  • Views 489
  • Downloads 79

How To Cite

Julien Pinot, Frederic Grappe (2014). Determination of Maximal Aerobic Power on the field in cycling. Journal of Science and Cycling, 3(1), 26-32. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-2828