The Bioenergetics Of The Tour De France

Abstract

The Tour de France is the most prestigious cycling competition in the world and probably the most challenging from the bioenergetics perspective. There are three main types of stages: Flat-sprint stages (FS), transition stages (TS) and mountain stages (MS). Several studies have shown the nutritional requirements for cycling competitions but to our knowledge there are no studies combining the energy cost for each stage including power output (PO), caloric expenditure and substrate oxidation with the nutrition quantification for each cyclist both during and outside each stage. PURPOSE:To evaluate the bioenergetics of the Tour de France integrating the energy cost and nutritional intake for each of the stages. METHODS:8 professional cyclists (69.01 ± 6.5 kg) participated in 2021 Tour de France. Data from every stage including PO was collected from every cyclist. Based on previous work we published showing the metabolic responses in Tour de France cyclists, we were able to indirectly calculate the average energetic cost for each stage, including fat and carbohydrate oxidation (FATox/CHOox) through stoichiometric equations, establishing correlations with the average power output from each stage. Nutrition intake was measured for each cyclist during each stage as well as outside the stage including breakfast, post-stage recovery and dinner. RESULTS:Average PO for each stage was 255.8 ± 18.2 W (3.67 ± 0.1 W·Kg-1). Average FAT and CHOox were 147.5 ± 20.4 g (30.4%) and 762.8 ± 77 g (69.6%) respectively. Average Kcal expenditure per stage were 4655 ± 359. Average daily intake of CHO, fat and protein was 1040.9 ± 163.4 g, 148.2 ± 8.1 g and 216.0 ± 9.1 g respectively. Average total daily Kcal intake was 6361.6 ± 761.4, 65.5% from CHO, 21% from Fat and 13.5% from protein. Average CHOox and intake was 22.1% and 12.4% higher respectively in MS vs TS (p < 0.01) and 46.7% and 32.2% higher respectively in MS vs FS (p < 0.01). Average caloric expenditure and intake was 10% and 12.4% higher respectively in MS vs TS (p < 0.01) and 38.4% and 32.2% higher respectively in MS vs FS. Average weight on last day was exact same as first day (69.01 ± 6.1 kg). CONCLUSIONS:The Tour de France requires significant energy expenditure which varies according to the type of stage. Specific nutritional approaches are needed to aid recovery, maintain energy levels and body weight.