Competitive Cyclists Research Articles

Research on Sustainable Development of Olympic Games Based on Ecological Carrying Capacity Analysis

The Olympic Games is a comprehensive social and cultural activity with the most complicated system and the largest scale. With the development of the Olympic Games, the ecological problems brought by the Olympic Games have attracted increasing attention, and the sustainable development of the Olympic Games has been put on the agenda. Based on the comprehensive index of Ecological Carrying Capacity (ECC), Environmental Kuznets Curve, and carbon footprint analysis of the Olympic Games host city competition cycle, this study analyzes three modes of ECC of the host city: light urban ecological burden mode, heavy urban ecological burden mode, and overload urban ecological burden mode. Based on the temperature sensor and GPS positioning, the land surface temperature change map of Tokyo, Japan, from 1990 to 2015 is obtained, and the heat island effect of Tokyo is obtained. This paper analyzes the case of using sensors for intelligent event management such as venue detection in the sustainable development plan of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; the idea and practice of thrifty hosting of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games holds that in most cases, the ECC of the host city of the Olympic Games is under great pressure, so it is necessary to pay attention to the ECC of the host city. The sustainable development of the Olympic Games is an important issue in the development of the Olympics, but the sustainable development plan of the Olympics is still being explored. It is suggested that the sustainable development of the Olympic Games needs to evaluate the ECC of the host city in the whole cycle, establish the principle of ecological priority to avoid the overload mode of ecological burden, strive to achieve carbon neutrality in the competition, and practice the idea of scientific frugality in running the competition.

The effect of different aero handlebar positions on aerodynamic and gas exchange variables

Adopting the time trial position (TTP) represents a notable improvement for cycling aerodynamic performance. Aero handlebars are designed to enable the cyclist to adopt a more aerodynamic TTP. However, it is unclear to what realistic extent the aero handlebar configuration affects the aerodynamics and physiological functioning. Thus this study aimed to investigate the effect of aero handlebar alterations on gas exchange parameters and aerodynamics of TTP. Seven male competitive cyclists and triathletes performed submaximal tests on a cycle ergometer at six different TTPs. Oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, minute ventilation and tidal volume were collected. Using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, the detailed airflow patterns around the cyclist were investigated. The results were analyzed in terms of drag area, velocity and pressure distributions around the cyclist, surface pressure coefficient and wall shear stress magnitude. It was revealed that varying the aero handlebar position significantly influences aerodynamic performance, while maximal values of all the gas exchange variables remained unchanged. Compared to the cyclist’s preferred TTP, the frontal area, drag coefficient and drag area were reduced by 4.1%, 4.6% and 8.5%, respectively, when lowering the handlebar position by 5 cm, which overcomes the metabolic costs.

Deep reinforcement learning for improving competitive cycling performance

Developing expert systems that make use of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide predictive analytics as well as targeted recommendations for decision support has been gaining momentum in recent years. Both academia and industry are looking into creating such systems to solve real-world problems and tackle specific challenges. In our work, we investigate the potential application of different machine learning approaches to solutions around competitive cycling. Specifically, we build and evaluate prediction models that are capable of accurately predicting a cyclist’s speed and heart rate using sensory information collected during bike rides. In addition, we create a recommendation module that is able to provide real-time action suggestions to cyclists regarding their posture with the goal of improving their overall performance. We achieve this using a combination of model-based reinforcement learning (RL) and deep RL. In particular, we use model-based RL to learn a “simulator” of bike rides using the prediction models and action profiles extracted from sensors placed on the cyclists’ back. We then use deep Q-learning in the simulator to extract policies that improve a cyclist’s behavior during a bike ride. Our evaluation shows that by recommending specific actions throughout the ride, cyclists can increase their overall average speed with only a minimal impact on their heart rate. The results presented in this paper constitute clear evidence that advanced AI techniques are a prime candidate for further developing intelligent solutions in competitive cycling and other similar areas.

Effects of acute exercise on craving and cortical hemodynamics under drug-cue exposure in MA-dependent individuals

BackgroundMethamphetamine (MA) dependent individuals who want to break free of their drug habit or guard against a relapse often find it hard to overcome cravings induced by drug-related cues they are bound to encounter. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute virtual reality (VR) enhanced physical exercise on cue-induced cravings in MA-dependent individuals. MethodsThirty MA-dependent individuals performed a drug-cue reactivity task both before and after a 10 min VR-enhanced competitive cycling exercise. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was recorded during the pre- and post-exercise drug-cue reactivity tasks. ResultsMA dependent individuals show higher hemodynamic responses in prefrontal cortex (PFC) to drug-related cues than to neutral cues. After acute exercise, hemodynamic responses in PFC, including bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex, were attenuated under the same drug-related cues exposure. Acute exercise also affected the functional connectivity between PFC and motor cortex in response to drug-related cues versus neutral cues. ConclusionsThese results suggest that a single session of VR-enhanced competitive cycling exercise facilitates MA-dependent individuals’ self-control over their cue-induced cravings by modulating cortical activations and brain functional networks.

Race around the Mountain

Abstract Early accounts place the origins of bicycle racing among the Coloured population of Cape Town at the turn of the twentieth century. By 1930, an active sporting landscape had emerged that included numerous organized clubs, regular road and track events, a regional organizing board, and an established set of local racing stars. Yet as the period moved forward, competitive cycling became subject to a set of larger forces that would affect uses of urban public space, access to municipal facilities, and community support for clubs. While some aspects of this history parallel the growth of bicycle racing in the Johannesburg area, the Cape scene differed significantly. To reconstruct this history, the article attempts to not only establish a baseline for the rich set of characters and events through these years but also place them into a broader context to assess the relationship between sport and resilience under a divided system.

Monitoring Training Load, Immune-Endocrine, Autonomic Nervous System Responses, and Swimming Performance in Women’s Water Polo

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purposes of the study were to: i) verify the variations in training load and the subsequent effects on swimming performance parameters, biochemical parameters, and autonomic nervous activity during a water polo season; ii) investigate the sensitivity of physiological markers in tracking training load and performance variations, and iii) verify the overreaching prevalence. Method: The training load of 20 female water polo players was monitored (using the session rating of perceived exertion method [sRPE], training monotony, and strain), and the lactate minimum speed (LMS), repeated sprint ability (RSA), plasma hormone and glutamine concentration, salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and heart rate variability (lnRMSSD) were evaluated during the season. Result: The training load parameters were higher in the competitive cycle (p ≤ 0.002). The LMS improved only in the general cycle from baseline (p = .015), while the RSA best time improved in the general (p = .002) and specific cycles (p = .012) from baseline and deteriorated in the competitive from general cycle (p = .008). The SIgA secretion rate presented a reduction only in the specific cycle from baseline (p = .032), while the lnRMSSD increased in the general (p = .038) and competitive (p < .001) cycles from baseline. Five athletes were diagnosed as overreaching state. Conclusion: Therefore, the physiological markers (i.e., plasma hormone and glutamine concentration, SIgA, and lnRMSSD) showed little sensitivity to detect changes in training load and swimming performance. The higher training loads applied in the competitive cycle seem to limit swimming performance gains.

'Boom-and-busted' dynamics of phytoplankton-virus interactions explain the paradox of the plankton.

Summary Rapid virus proliferation can exert a powerful control on phytoplankton host populations, playing a significant role in marine biogeochemistry and ecology. We explore how marine lytic viruses impact phytoplankton succession, affecting host and nonhost populations.Using an in silico food web we conducted simulation experiments under a range of different abiotic and biotic conditions, exploring virus–host–grazer interactions and manipulating competition, allometry, motility and cyst cycles.Virus‐host and predator–prey interactions, and interactions with competitors, generate bloom dynamics with a pronounced ‘boom‐and‐busted’ dynamic (BBeD) which leads to the suppression of otherwise potentially successful phytoplankton species. The BBeD is less pronounced at low nutrient loading through distancing of phytoplankton hosts, while high sediment loading and high nonhost biomass decrease the abundance of viruses through adsorption. Larger hosts are inherently more distanced, but motility increases virus attack, while cyst cycles promote spatial and temporal distancing.Virus control of phytoplankton bloom development appears more important than virus‐induced termination of those blooms. This affects plankton succession – not only the growth of species infected by the virus, but also those that compete for the same resources and are collectively subjected to common grazer control. The role of viruses in structuring plankton communities via BBeDs can thus provide an explanation for the paradox of the plankton.

An improved communication resource allocation strategy for wireless networks based on deep reinforcement learning

With the advent of 5G networks, user demand for high-speed, low-latency, and high-reliability services continues to grow. When traditional communication technologies cannot meet the needs, wireless network LoRa technology has emerged. Although LoRa has low power consumption, Long-distance, and other advantages, terminal nodes still face frequent data collection and energy consumption issues how to more efficiently combine the deep reinforcement learning method for LoRa wireless network communication and allocate resources reasonably and effectively. This paper proposes a communication channel resource allocation strategy based on deep reinforcement learning, the CL-LoRa strategy. It uses extended preamble and low-power interception technologies to achieve on-demand synchronization and low-power communication. The basic idea of this strategy is to detect channel quality based on CAD, coordinate node scheduling, and wireless channel allocation. The node will choose different ways to acquire the channel according to the current network load, namely CSMA-CA competition and dynamic duty cycle communication. In this way, the channel utilization rate is improved, and the energy consumption problem of the long-distance communication data volume is perfectly solved. The duty cycle access method is based on the imbalance of energy consumption in the Internet of Things. It uses the remaining energy of the remote central node to dynamically adjust the duty cycle of the node, wake up the working time of the node, and send more beacons to the sleeping node. Reduce the sleep delay of the node. Through theoretical analysis of CL-LoRa protocol performance, compared with DDC-LoRa protocol and ADC-LoRa protocol, CL-LoRa protocol can increase channel utilization by 9%, reduce terminal energy consumption by 1.6%, and increase throughput by 1.5%.

Relationships between muscle quality, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and sprint performance markers of competitive cyclists.

Many variables are considered to be determinants of cycling sprint performance. Among them, the importance of skeletal muscle properties in relation to cycling performance has been consistently underlined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF) and vastus medialis (VM), echo intensity (EI) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) content in a group of competitive cyclists and to identify whether these are related to sprint performance. Muscle echo intensity was evaluated by ultrasound in 16 highly trained competitive cyclists. The cyclists performed a maximal-intensity sprint session comprising four 15 s maximal sprints on a Wingate bike with 2 min of recovery between each. Pearson correlational analysis with linear regression was used to identify significant relationships between the criteria EI and SAT content and the sprint performance variables. Muscle EI correlated strongly with sprint performance markers (r=from 0.54 to 0.62; P<0.05), while SAT content and body fat percentage correlated trivially to moderately with sprint performance (r=from 0.07 to 0.40; P>0.05). Overall, muscle quality of knee extensors was positively related to sprint performance markers, but SAT content was not. Although additional studies are needed, muscle quality may represent a valid body composition indicator and may be helpful for supporting sprint performance optimization procedures in competitive cyclists.

An Investigation into Helmet Use, Perceptions of Sports-Related Concussion, and Seeking Medical Care for Head Injury amongst Competitive Cyclists.

The purpose of this study was to investigate competitive cyclists’ helmet use, perceptions of sports-related concussion (SRC), and medical-care-seeking behaviors. A mixed-method approach was used with qualitative and quantitative data presented. The study comprised of a cross-sectional analysis of 405 competitive cyclists who completed an online survey. Results indicated that most participants believed a bicycle helmet protects against SRC (79.5%) and considerable numbers of participants would not seek medical care for potential head injury in scenarios where this would be recommended. It was also discovered that marketing of concussion reduction technology influences cyclists’ helmet-purchasing behaviors. With the data presented, it is recommended that governing bodies in cycling need to develop educational resources to address gaps in knowledge regarding SRC amongst cyclists. We also suggest that more independent research on concussion reduction technologies in bicycle helmets is needed, with advertising supported by clear scientific evidence to avoid negatively influencing head injury management and reporting behaviors amongst cyclists.

Acute effects of small changes in antero-posterior shoe-cleat position on physiological and biomechanical variables in road cycling

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in cycling shoe-cleat position on pedalling biomechanics, physiological variables, and performance in road cycling. Twelve competitive road cyclists performed three pedalling trials with the cleat positioned at the first metatarsal head, 15-mm anterior and 15-mm posterior. Each trial included three sets of 5 min performed at 35%, 50%, and 65% of maximal aerobic power (MAP) followed by a 10-s sprint. Results showed no significant changes in physiological variables, pedalling kinetics, muscular activity of six lower limb muscles, sprint performance and perceived exertion. However, significant differences were found regarding joint kinematics: hip, knee, and ankle angles during both extension and flexion were reduced in the anterior cleat position. Therefore, this study suggests that cleat position does not affect sprint performance, physiological variables, pedalling kinetics, muscle activity, and perceived exertion regardless of the cycling intensity. However, joint kinematics, and particularly knee extension angle which could be related to the risk of overuse injuries, was affected by the shoe-cleat position.

Enhanced Structural Stability and Volumetric Capacity of a 3D Pyknotic Graphene Conductive Network via a Pillar Effect of Sn Nanoparticles for Sodium-Ion Batteries

High volumetric capacity and durability anode materials for sodium ion batteries have been urgently required for practical applications. Herein, we reported a Sn-pillared pyknotic graphene conductive network with high-level N-doping. This densely stacked block offers high volumetric Na-ion storage capacity, rapid electrochemical reaction kinetics, and robust structural stability during cycling owing to the high capacity component (metallic Sn ≈847 mAh g-1), high tap density (≈2.63 g cm-3), high conductivity (N doping ≈5 at. %), and strong spatially confined and pillared structure. Moreover, theoretical simulations have indicated that the charge accumulation around the N-doped region is more pronounced compared to the pristine one, and electrons accumulate around the N atom while loss occurs at the Na atom. These studies also suggest that it might possibly contribute to higher conductivity and stronger electrophilic reactivity, thereby resulting in enhanced Na-ion storage performance. As a result, the as-obtained electrode material exhibits competitive volumetric capacity (1462 mAh cm-3 at 0.1 A g-1), cycling performance (1207 mAh cm-3 after 100 cycles), and promising rate behavior simultaneously.

Experimental Method of Machining Gears with an Involute Profile Using CNC Lathe with Driven Tools.

There are many ways of machining gears; the world’s manufacturers of machine tools have patented many methods that allow for the production of gears in an accurate and efficient way. In general, the patented methods require the use of kinematically complex and expensive CNC machine tools. These tools, moreover, the production of the technology itself, including the machining code, require the use of dedicated software. Therefore, it seems justified to strive for the application of kinematically simple and relatively cheap machines in the machining processes so as to increase the universality and availability of new machining methods. This paper presents a method of machining a spur gear with straight teeth with an involute profile using a basic CNC lathe DMG MORI CLX350V4 equipped with driven tools. On the basis of the presented mathematical model, an algorithm was developed to generate a code that controls the machining of cylindrical gears with an involute profile of straight teeth, with the possibility of modifying the transition profile and the tooth root. The machining was experimental, and the gear was made of aluminium AlSi1MgMn using a solid carbide cylindrical cutter. In conclusion, the presented method was found to be very competitive with commercial methods and is able to provide very high quality gears. The accuracy of the machined profile form deviation in the entire processing did not exceed an average value of 10 μm; while assessing the tooth line, the basis average error was 5 μm. Finally, the gear was assessed as manufactured in accuracy class 6. This machining method guarantees very competitive machining cycle times, and thanks to the use of an uncomplicated CNC lathe and universal tools, it provides great flexibility, at the same time giving the possibility of machining gears with arbitrary profiles.

Effects of Resistance Training Cessation on Cycling Performance in Well-Trained Cyclists: An Exploratory Study.

Bláfoss, R, Rikardo, J, Andersen, AØ, Hvid, LG, Andersen, LL, Jensen, K, Christensen, PM, Kvorning, T, and Aagaard, P. Effects of resistance training cessation on cycling performance in well-trained cyclists: an exploratory study. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 796-804, 2022-Supplementary (i.e., concurrent) resistance training can enhance cycling performance among competitive cyclists. However, a lack of knowledge exists about the retention (decay profile) in mechanical muscle function and cycling performance after concurrent resistance and endurance training. The present exploratory intervention study investigated the effect of 6 weeks of resistance training cessation when preceded by 8 weeks of concurrent resistance and endurance training on mechanical muscle function and cycling performance in 9 male well-trained competitive cyclists (V̇o2max = 66 ± 7 ml·min-1·kg-1). Cyclists performed periodized resistance training targeting leg and core muscles for 8 weeks as a supplement to their normal endurance (cycling) training. This was followed by 6 weeks of endurance training only (retention period) leading up to the start of the competitive season. Maximal leg extensor power, isometric leg extensor strength (maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]), rate of force development (RFD), and long-term cycling performance (2-hour submaximal cycling at 55% of Wmax), followed by 5-minute max cycling were evaluated. After 8 weeks of concurrent resistance and endurance training, leg extensor power, MVC, and RFD increased by 12, 15, and 17%, respectively while mean power output (W) during 5-minute max cycling increased by 7% (p < 0.05). Training-induced gains in MVC and 5-minute max cycling power were retained after 6-week cessation of resistance training (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that competitive cyclists can focus on cycling training alone for at least 6 weeks leading up to competition without losing attained gains in maximal muscle strength and cycling performance achieved by preceding periods of concurrent resistance training.

Cash holdings, tax policies, and institutional environments of innovative enterprises

We discover a positive association between a firm's innovativeness and its cash holdings using data from 11,653 innovative enterprises in 51 non-US economies. This relationship is even stronger now that patent boxes have been implemented, which provide preferential tax treatment for patent income. Additionally, creative multinationals that face increased repatriation taxes amass larger total cash holdings. The positive innovativeness–cash relationship is more pronounced in countries with higher R&amp;D tax credits, less developed financial markets, stronger governance, stronger shareholder rights, more technicians, better infrastructure, and greater investment freedom, as well as in industries with fiercer competition and longer innovation cycles. Innovative organizations with greater cash on hand invest more in research and development and generate more patents. In general, our findings shed light on the factors that contribute to the massive wealth buildup in creative enterprises globally.

Effect of Clothing Fabric on 20-km Cycling Performance in Endurance Athletes.

Purpose: Examine the effect of synthetic fabrics (SYN, 60% polyester: 40% nylon) vs. 100% cotton fabric (CTN) on the 20-km cycling time trial (20 kmCTT) performance of competitive cyclists and triathletes.Methods: In this randomized controlled crossover study, 15 adults (5 women) aged 29.6 ± 2.7 years (mean ± SE) with a peak rate of O2 consumption of 60.0 ± 2.0 ml/kg/min completed a 20 kmCTT under ambient laboratory conditions (24.3 ± 0.7°C and 17 ± 7% relative humidity) with a simulated wind of ~3 m/s while wearing SYN or CTN clothing ensembles. Both ensembles were of snowflake mesh bi-layer construction and consisted of a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt with full-length trousers.Results: Participants maintained a significantly (p < 0.05) higher cycling speed and power output over the last 6-km of the 20 kmCTT while wearing the SYN vs. CTN ensemble (e.g., by 0.98 km/h and 18.4 watts at the 20-km mark). Consequently, 20 kmCTT duration was significantly reduced by 15.7 ± 6.8 sec or 0.8 ± 0.3% during SYN vs. CTN trials (p < 0.05). Improved 20 kmCTT performance with SYN vs. CTN clothing could not be explained by concurrent differences in esophageal temperature, sweat rate, ratings of perceived exertion and/or cardiometabolic responses to exercise. However, it was accompanied by significantly lower mean skin temperatures (~1°C) and more favorable ratings of perceived clothing comfort and thermal sensation during exercise.Conclusion: Under the experimental conditions of the current study, athletic clothing made of synthetic fabrics significantly improved the 20 kmCTT performance of endurance-trained athletes by optimizing selected thermoregulatory and perceptual responses to exercise.

Competitive Cyclists’ Freely Chosen Cadence Is History Dependent

Background: Not much is known about history dependence of freely chosen cadence in competitive cyclists. Objective: It was investigated whether initial cycling at relatively low and high preset target cadences affected a subsequent freely chosen cadence at the end of the same bout of submaximal ergometer cycling. Methods:Nineteen male competitive cyclists performed a single test session consisting of three separate bouts at 180 W. In one bout, cycling at 60 rpm was followed by cycling at freely chosen cadence. In another bout, cycling at 110 rpm was followed by cycling at freely chosen cadence. In yet another bout (considered reference), the cadence was freely chosen, throughout. Motor rhythm output (cadence), biomechanical (including tangential pedal force), and physiological (heart rate) responses were measured. Results: Increased cadence resulted in increased internal power and decreased maximal tangential pedal force, and vice versa. This was in accordance with existing knowledge. Initial cycling at 60 and 110 rpm caused the subsequent freely chosen cadence to be about 6 rpm lower and higher (p p Conclusions: For competitive cyclists, the freely chosen cadence at the end of a submaximal bout of cycling depends on the preset target cadence applied initially.

Performance indicators and functional adaptive windows in competitive cyclists: effect of one-year strength and conditioning training programme.

Changes and relationships between cycling performance indicators following a one-year strength and conditioning training have not been totally clarified. The aims of this study are to investigate (i) the effect of a combined one-year strength and conditioning training programme on performance indicators and the possible relationships between these indicators, and (ii) the existence of possible endurance-functional-adaptive windows (EFAWs) linked to changes in muscular strength and body composition markers. Functional and lactate threshold power (FTP and LTP), maximal strength (1RM) and body composition (body mass index [BMI], body cell mass [BCM] and phase angle [PA]) were measured at the beginning and the end of a one-year strength and conditioning training programme of thirty cyclists. Correlations, differences, and predictive analysis were performed among parameters. Significant differences were found between pre- and post-conditioning programme results for FTP, LTP, 1RM (p < 0.0001) and BCM (p = 0.038). When expressed as power output (W), FTP and LTP were significantly correlated with 1RM (r = 0.36, p = 0.005 and r = 0.37, p = 0.004, respectively), body mass (r = 0.30 and p = 0.02), BCM (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and PA (r = 0.42 and 0.39, respectively and p < 0.001). When expressed as W·kg-¹, these power thresholds were strongly correlated with body mass (r = -0.56 and -0.61, respectively) and BMI (r = -0.57 and -0.61 respectively) with p < 0.001. Predictive polynomial regressions revealed possible endurance and strength adaptation zones. The present findings indicated beneficial impacts of one-year strength and conditioning training on cycling performance indicators, confirmed the correlation between performance indicators, and suggested the existence of different EFAWs. Strategies aiming to improve performance should consider cyclist characteristics and performance goals to achieve EFAWs and thereby enhance cycling performance.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF YOUNGER PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS COMPETITIONS DURING IHE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Mathematics competitions represent a very important segment of educational support to gifted students and play a significant role in identifying, motivating and working with those mathematically gifted. The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on all seg- ments of the educational process, including the implementation of mathematics classes, regular and additional, as well as the organization and implementation of mathematics competitions. In this paper we wanted to examine whether the changed conditions in which regular and ad- ditional mathematics classes were implemented had an impact on the achievement of the best- performing math students. The aim of the research is to examine the adoption of advanced level mathematical content that students should have acquired at school in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 4,064 third-grade students (school year 2020/2021) and 3,824 fourth-grade students (school year 2021/2022). The research results indicate that students who should be able to solve advanced level tasks show insufficient practice in performing the four basic calculation operations, as well as insufficient adoption of different methods of solving advanced level tasks. By looking at the achievements of the same generation of students through two consecutive competition cycles, it can be seen that insufficiently adopted concepts in the third grade during the first year of the pandemic remained unexplained in the transition to a higher grade where they represent a problem for further advancement of students.

Innovative firms’ cash holdings, tax policies, and institutional environments

AbstractBased on 21,653 innovative firms from 61 non‐U.S. economies, we find a positive relationship between a firm's innovativeness and cash holdings. This relationship is stronger after the implementation of patent boxes that provide preferential tax treatment for patent income. Moreover, innovative multinationals facing higher repatriation taxes accumulate higher total cash holdings. The positive innovativeness–cash relationship varies with institutional environments and is more pronounced in countries with higher R&amp;D tax credits, less developed financial markets, better governance, stronger shareholder rights, more technicians, better infrastructure, greater investment freedom, and in industries with fiercer competition and longer innovation cycles. Innovative firms with higher cash holdings invest more in R&amp;D and generate more patents. Overall, our findings provide insights into the driving forces underlying the large cash accumulation in innovative firms worldwide.