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

Individualising training intensity to reduce inter-individual variability in training response in trained cyclists

Training to improve endurance performance commonly results in large inter-individual variability (IIV) in response (Bouchard et al. [1998]. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(2), 252–258; Mann et al. [2014]....

Optimisation of cycling training

Introduction: Training is fundamental to improving athletic performance, and progressive training schedules are commonly adopted. However, the quantification and optimisation of a progressive training schedule in order t...

The effects of forward rotation of posture on heavy intensity cycling: Implications of UCI rule 1.3.013

UCI rule 1.3.013 limits the forward displacement of the nose of the saddle to 5cm rearward of the centre of the bottom-bracket. This study tests the effects of contravening this rule on 4km laboratory time trials and hig...

Gross efficiency is improved in standing position with an increase of the power output

Background: Gross efficiency (GE) has been shown to be one of the most relevant parameter influencing cycling performance but to the best of our knowledge, just one study focused on measuring GE in seated and standing po...

Power-velocity curve: relevance of the SRM Ergometer for simulated cycling performance and constant duration tests

Introduction: When trying to obtain cycling performance capacity, a controlled laboratory setting is required to obtain valid and reliable results [1]. Ecological validity is important, as several studies found poor agre...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP2828
  • DOI -
  • Views 429
  • 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