Research on the Factors Influencing the Strength of Cyclists

Abstract

Individual Time Trial (ITT) is a road bicycle race where cyclists race alone against the clock. To minimize the total time cost, cyclists need to focus on the output power. In this paper, we develop models to analyze the output power of cyclists determine how to adjust the output power at every position of the course. Firstly, this article collects the real data of cyclists, which is used to find the power profile related to power and duration. Reasonable expressions of different types of cyclists of different gender are also concluded. Secondly, this article considers the cyclists in competition as a constantly charged battery and discharged. FTP is the power at which cyclists can work steadily for a long time. Therefore, this article uses FTP to represent the recovery rate of cyclists approximately. There is two basis of our model. First, maintaining a steady speed is the key to reducing the total time loss in the time trial. The next basis of our model is to divide the course into three types: uphill, downhill, and sharp turn and do the force analysis. Then, this article builds up a model which tells the cyclists how to adjust output power in the whole time trial. Fatigue is also considered in our model. the model applies to two real Individual Time Trials and one course designed by us and draws the power-distance curve correspondingly. Finally, this article analyzes the potential impact of the wind. The wind will affect the cyclists' air resistance fA. The time cost at every part is calculated to determine the proposed model's accuracy. This article also analyzes the impact of improper power adjustment.