Case Study of an Elite Master Cyclist During the 2010 Race Across America (RAAM)

Abstract

PURPOSE: This case study's purpose was to document an elite ultra-endurance cyclist 2010 RAAM attempt by gathering physiological and psychological real-time race measurements. In the last 3 years, the subject has won 6 races over 24 hrs and 5 races over 12 hrs. METHODS: Prior to the event, a performance profile was obtained. During the race, physiological variables including core body temperature, air temperature, and power output were collected every 4 hours, along with psychological variables; ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), self-arousal scale (ARL), and the feeling scale (FS). Hydration was measured every 24 hours. Data was averaged and summarized for each respective race day. JMP statistics software (version 8.0) was used. RESULTS: Subject characteristics; Male, 51 yrs, 1.68 m, 78.3 kg, and 22.8% body fat. Lab based aerobic fitness and performance characteristics; 3.95 L/min VO2max, heart rate max of 179 bpm, cardiac output max of 22.7 L/min, stoke volume max 127 ml/beat, 325 max watts, lactate threshold (LT) = 202.5 watts (W), and aerobic threshold=125W. In the lab, the subject attained a mean power output of 201W during the Time Trial, which corresponded to his LT (202.5W). The subject completed 6 days, 11 hrs 19 mins of racing. With rest stops, the rider averaged 10.3 mph versus the 13mph required to finish the race. The mean normalized power was 199.5W for the first 2 race days. On average, the normalized power decreased 22 W/day for the first 5 days. The subject's riding watts were lowest (Days 4 (125W) & 5 (123W)), indicating excessive fatigue. Despite a decrease in air temperature at days 3-5, the subject's core body temperature increased. Intracellular water declined 12.7% by the end of day 2 which may have led to the subsequent decline in power the remaining days. An inverse relationship existed between normalized power and averaged daily RPE (R2 = 0.96, P=0.00). Ratings of FS and ARL (averaged over a day) were correlated (R2 = 0.82, P=0.01) and both declined over the 6 race days. The average normalized power was 154W (76% of threshold) for the 6 race days. CONCLUSIONS: The rider's self-selected pace was too high at the start of the race, in combination with inadequate rehydration. Thus, it was impossible to maintain the required race speed and power to complete the race as RPE rose with declines in arousal and positive feelings.