Do Physiological Parameters Predict the 4000m Individual Pursuit Performance in Cycling?

Abstract

Maximum oxygen uptake response has been considered to be the most objective tool to estimate the individual's endurance capacity. Research has shown that it can be used to determine the training exercise intensity and to predict performance in various sports. However, published research papers regarding the contribution of selected physiological parameters with 4000m-individual-pursuit finishing times in cycling are scarce. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between selected physiological variables and a 4000m cycling effort during the national competition in the indoor hall of the Athens Olympic Velodrome in nine well trained male cyclists. METHODS: Maximal oxygen uptake, ventilaroty threshold (VT) and power output at max (Pmax), were measured using Douglas bags open circuit during incremental exercise on a Monark cyclergometer, during a 2 week period prior or after the race. VT was determined using non-invasive techniques. RESULTS: The cyclists averaged 316.86±12.7 sec performance time, 66.17 ± 2.3 ml/kg/min VO2 max, 45.50±1.8 km/h time trial speed, 270±29.4 power output at VT (PVT) and 397±42.14 Pmax. The relationships between 4000m individual pursuit performance time, max, PVT and Pmax were −0.90 (p<0.01), −0.77 (p<0.05) and −0.74 (p<0.05), respectively. VO2max can be used to predict performance times in 4000m applying the following equation: 4000m performance time = −4.89*VO2max + 640.9 (R2=0.82, SE ± 5.9) CONCLUSIONS: Maximal oxygen uptake, power output at the ventilatory threshold and peak power output may be reliable measures to predict performance time in well trained cyclists and it can be a useful tool to monitor training adaptations.