Determinantes del rendimientofísico y las respuestasfisiológicas durante una maratónoficial de bicicleta de montaña através del campo (XCM-MTB)

Abstract

Introduction: The variables determinants of physical performance in cross-country marathon of mountain biking (XCMMTB)are still unknown.Objective: We aimed to verify the training control variables and the physiological responses in an official XCM-MTB race.Material and methods: 13 athletes (11 men and 2 women; 33.3 ± 12.7 years of age) participated in this study. It wasconducted during an official XCM-MTB in Brazil (route of 70 km). The heart rate (HR), altimetry, velocity, temperature,pacing, and power were obtained every 10 km travelled by the STRAVA application. Multiple linear regression analysis wasperformed to verify whether the variables could predict physical performance.Results: The athletes maintained constant HR elevation in the corresponding zone 80% HRmax. They also presented avariation in the pacing (F = 35.82; p < 0.001; d = 0.66) and power (F = 7.20; p < 0.001; d = 0.18) showing higher values in thelast 10 km. Only pacing can be considered a predictor of the physical performance (β = 0.958; t = 7.30; p < 0.001), specificallythe one at 20 km (F = 10.23; p = 0.004; R2 = 0.82).Conclusion: The study concluded that the analyzed variables are reliable for the performance control in an official XCMMTBrace. HR and power are variables that can be used to prescribe and control training, as they change according to therequirements of the race. Power can also be used as a performance predictor as it is directly influenced by terrain.