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 492
- Downloads 79
Do 3-min all-out test parameters accurately predict competitive cyclist performance in the severe intensity domain?
Background: It is well established that the critical power (CP) and the fixed amount of work performed above the CP (W’) predict performance in the severe intensity domain, and that this two parameters can be successfull...
The effects of cycling cleat position on subsequent running performance in a simulated duathlon
Strategies that reduce the physiological load during the cycling phase of triathlon events may enable athletes to perform better during the subsequent running phase. The current study examines the effects of changes in s...
Determination of Maximal Aerobic Power on the field in cycling
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 Pro...
The analysis & forecasting of British cycling time trial records
Background: The sport of cycling time trials in Great Britain has taken place over several distance or time based formats since 1935. The format of this sport typically involves riders competing individually over several...
Amateur cyclists can complete the full Tour de France in the same amount of days as professional cyclists
Participating in the Tour de France (TdF), 3.497 kilometres in 21 days, is a challenge for professional as well as for amateur cyclists. The exceptional high demands both physically and mentally enhance the risk of falli...