Physiological demands of road sprinting in professional and U23 cycling. A pilot study
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
This pilot study described and compared the power output (absolute, relative to body weight and relative to frontal area) recorded during successful road sprints in professional and under 23 men’s cycling races. The study also described the exercise intensity and requirements of sprinters throughout final 10 min of the race. Nine successful (top 3) sprints performed by a professional (PRO: 23 y old, 1.76 m, 71.8 kg) and an under 23 (U23: 18 y old, 1.67 m, 63.2 kg) cyclist sprinter were analysed in this study. No statistical differences were found in absolute peak and average sprint power (PRO: 1370±51 W and 1120±33 W; U23: 1318±60 W and 1112±68 W). The average power output relative to body weight and to projected frontal area (Ap) was lower in PRO than U23 (15.6±0.4 and 17.4±1.1 W·kg-1; and 2533±76 and 2740±169 W·Ap-1, respectively) (P=0.016). The intensity of the last 10 min prior to the sprint was significantly higher in PRO than U23 (4.6±0.3 and 3.7±0.2 W·kg-1, respectively) (P<0.05). Races duration, total elevation gain and average power were similar between PRO and U23. In conclusion, the physiological demands leading into road sprinting (intensity of the last 10 min) were found to be higher in PRO compared to U23 races; however, a similar sprint power output (>2500 W·Ap-1 or >15.5 W·kg-1 for approximately 14 s, with a peak power output >3100 W·Ap-1 or >19 W·kg-1) indicates that sprint characteristics may be somewhat similar between PRO or U23 races. Further research is warranted in order to better understand physiological and tactical aspects important to road sprint cycling.
Authors and Affiliations
Paolo Menaspà*| Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University; Perth, Australia.Sports Science Sports Medicine, Australian Institute of Sport; Canberra, Australia.Cycling Australia; Adelaide, Australia, Marc Quod| Orica-GreenEDGE Cycling Team; Melbourne, Australia, David T Martin| Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University; Perth, Australia.Sports Science Sports Medicine, Australian Institute of Sport; Canberra, Australia.Cycling Australia; Adelaide, Australia, James Victor| Cycling Australia; Adelaide, Australia, Chris R Abbiss| Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University; Perth, Australia.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2821
- DOI -
- Views 423
- Downloads 23
The effect of time-trial duration on aerodynamic drag
Aerodynamic drag is the main resistance (80-90 %) among the total resistive forces (RT, N) opposing motion on level ground in cycling (Debraux et al. 2011). To reduce air resistance, cyclists adopt a characteristic time...
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...
Maximal torque and power pedaling rate relationships for high level BMX riders in field tests
The Bicycle Motocross race is an “all-out” sprint discipline with a race time not exceeding 40s. In high-level, the maximal power output during acceleration phase can be higher than 2000 W. The purpose of this study was...
Bicycle Shoe Insoles and Their Effect on Lateral Knee Movement, Leg Muscle Activation Patterns, and Performance in Experienced Cyclists
Introduction: Riders contact their bicycles at three points: hands, hips, and foot-shoe-cleat-pedal (FSCP) interface (Figure 1). Three techniques are used to achieve fit: experienced-based direct observation, technology-...
Effects of different training protocols on the heart rate variability of trained cyclists
Background: Studies have shown that measures of HRV can be useful for monitoring the training load in cycling. However, most of these studies are observational and have not assessed the impact of cumulative days of train...