Performance Changes With Three Different Training Phases In Masters Level Cyclists

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in performance in Masters level cyclists after eighteen weeks of prescribed training. METHODS: Nine competitive male cyclists (43.3 ± 2.2 yrs) completed three 6-week phases of structured training using power meters. The first phase (P1) consisted of 6 weeks of training focused at a power below 80% of onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), the 2nd phase (P2) consisted of training focused at a power between 84-105% of OBLA and the 3rd phase (P3) consisted of training focused at a power between 97-105+% of OBLA. Testing occurred on 4 occasions, at baseline (P0) and after each phase of training. At each test session body composition was measured and subjects completed a peak exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and oxygen consumption (VO2) were recorded at each 3-minute stage throughout exercise and at 3 and 6 minutes of an active recovery. A 16.1 km time trial (TT) performance test on a road course was performed the same week as each laboratory test. RESULTS: There was a 4% decrease in body weight and a 3% decrease in lean body mass (p<0.05) from P0 to the end of P3. VO2peak increased 11% (52.2 ± 1.9 to 58.2 ± 2.5 ml-1kg-1min-1) and peak power 9% (328.8 ± 16.9 to 358.8 ± 16.0 watts) from P0 to P3. Power at OBLA increased significantly from P0 to P3. TT times improved from P1 to P3 (28.2 ± 1.1 to 26.1± 0.7 min). CONCLUSIONS: The initial 6 weeks of specific power based training resulted in the majority of the improvements in VO2 peak, peak power and TT performance in Masters level cyclists.