Impact of Cycling Intensity on Cycle-run Transition in Female Triathletes
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of intensity during the final km of a cycling bout on subsequent run and overall cycle-run (CR) performance. A secondary aim of the study was to examine how manipulations in cycling power affect cycle-run performance in female triathletes exclusively. METHODS: Nine well-trained female triathletes participated in the study. The triathletes completed two CR sessions (20 km cycle, 5 km run). The intensity of the first 19 km of cycling was equivalent to peak power at 70% of peak oxygen consumption (O2peak) and the final 1 km varied between power achieved at 95% of O2peak (high intensity, HI) and power achieved at 50% of O2peak (low intensity, LI). The 5 km run was completed as fast as possible. RESULTS: Mean blood lactate concentration [La-] was significantly higher during the run following the cycling bout ending with a HI rather than a LI (11.5 ± 0.64 mmol/L vs. 9.3 ± 0.72 mmol/L). Run performance was not significantly different between HI and LI (24:54 ± 02:53 min vs. 00:24:36 ± 00:03:17 min). As well, no significant differences were found between overall CR sessions (01:23:23 h ± 00:05:47 min vs. 01:23:50 h ± 00:07:01 min). CONCLUSION: Despite increases in [La-], cycling intensity during the final stages of a 20 km cycling bout does not impact run or CR performance in well-trained female triathletes.
Authors and Affiliations
Ryanne Carmichael| Plymouth State University, NH, United States, David J Heikkinen| Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA, United States, Elaina Mertens| Loras College, Dubuque, IA, United States
Foot Pain and Cycling: a survey of frequency, type, location, associations and amelioration of foot pain
The foot – pedal interface is the primary site for energy transfer from the cyclist to the bicycle, with anecdotal evidence that foot injuries from cycling are common. However, there is little research regarding the prev...
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...
Effects of recovery using contrast water therapy or compression stockings on subsequent 5-min cycling performance
Many researchers have investigated the effectiveness of contrast water therapy (CWT) or compression stockings (CS) during recovery, using subsequent performance as the principal outcome measure. However, data in the lite...
The reliability of performance during computer-simulated varying gradient cycling time trials
Ergometer based time trials are commonly used to assess performance changes due to training or other interventions. This investigation establishes the reliability of a novel computer simulated cycling time trial. Ninetee...
Comparison of physiological and perceptual responses to a maximal exhaustive test performed on the SRM and the Cyclus2 ergometer
Background: No cycle ergometer perfectly replicates the physiological demands and movement patterns associated with real world cycling (Abbiss et al., 2009: International Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(2), 107-112). The...