Elite Male Cyclists Research Articles

‘Downhill race for a rainbow jersey’: the epidemiology of injuries in downhill mountain biking at the 2023 UCI cycling world championships—a prospective cohort study of 230 elite cyclists

ObjectivesThis study aims to understand the prevalence, incidence rate, anatomical sites, injury severity and main medical actions carried out during official training and racing by elite downhill mountain biking (DHMTB)...

Time-course for onset and decay of physiological adaptations in endurance trained athletes undertaking prolonged heat acclimation training

ABSTRACT Short-term heat acclimation (HA) appears adequate for maximizing sudomotor adaptations and enhancing thermal resilience in trained athletes. However, for enhanced erythropoiesis and transfer effects to exercise capacity in cooler environments, prolonged HA appears necessary. To establish the time-course for physiological adaptations and performance effects, 20 male elite cyclists were divided into an intervention group (HEAT; n = 10) completing 5 weeks of HA (six one-hour HA-training sessions per week) and control (n = 10) tested pre and post in hot (40°C) and cool conditions (20°C). HEAT completed tests at 40°C every week during HA with measures of sweat rate and [Na+] and a decay test 2 weeks after termination of HA. HEAT improved time for exhaustion by 15 min (p < 0.001) in the 40°C test, increased sweat rate by 0.44 L/hour (p < 0.001), and lowered sweat sodium concentration [Na+] by 14.1 mmol/L (p = 0.006) from pre- to post-HA, with performance returning to pre-HA levels in the 2-week decay test. Total hemoglobin mass (tHbmass) was increased by 30 grams (+3%, p = 0.048) after 3 weeks and 40 grams (+4%, p = 0.038) after 5 weeks in HEAT but returned to pre-HA levels at the 2-week decay test. HEAT improved incremental peak power output (+12 W, p = 0.001) without significant changes in maximal oxygen uptake (p = 0.094). In conclusion, improvements in heat exercise tolerance and sudomotor adaptations materialized during the first ~3 weeks and the entire 5 weeks of HA augmented both cool exercise capacity and tHbmass. However, the 2-week post-HA evaluation demonstrated a rapid decay of physiological adaptations and exercise capacity in the heat.

Steep uphill cycling using repeated transitions between seated and standing positions results in a lower blood-lactate concentration than continuous use of either seated or standing position.

This study investigated whether repeated transitions between seated and standing positions has a different physiological response compared to continuous use of either seated position or standing position during steep uphill cycling among elite cyclists. Ten elite male cyclists completed three 5-min treadmill cycling tests at an inclination of 6.8° with constant individual-based speed resulting in a work intensity close to the aerobic threshold. During the first and third test, the participants used standing position (ST test) and seated position (SE test) or vice versa, whereas in the second test, they made repeated transitions between standing and seated positions every 10 s (RT test). The last 2 min of each test was used to measure the mean values of oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and respiratory exchange ratio, which were used to calculate the metabolic rate (MR) and gross efficiency (GE). Additionally, the blood-lactate concentration before and after (Lapost) each test was determined. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the effect of cycling position on the physiological response. No significant differences between tests were observed for the variables related to aerobic energy expenditure (i.e., V̇O2, MR and GE), whereas the RT test was associated with a significantly lower Lapost compared to the ST and SE tests. Steep uphill cycling, at an intensity close to the aerobic threshold, with repeated transitions between standing and seated positions, did not have a higher oxygen consumption; instead, the blood-lactate concentration was lower during the RT test compared to that under continuous use of either seated or standing position.

Analysis of training loads in Polish adolescent road cyclists in the preparatory period and their effects on physical fitness

Background: Road cycling is one of the most extreme endurance sports. Professional road cyclists typically train ~20 hours per week and cover ~600 km a week. The longest 1-day race in men’s cycling can be up to 300 km while the longest multiple-stage races can last up to 21 days. Twenty to seventy accelerations are performed during a race, exceeding maximal aerobic power. Training is a crucial component of athletes’ preparation for competitions. Therefore, strong emphasis should be on recording the applied training loads and monitoring how they influence aerobic and anaerobic fitness, as well as performance. The aim of the study was to analyze the training loads in the preparatory period and their effects on aerobic and anaerobic fitness in adolescent road cyclists. Materials and Methods: The study involved 23 highly trained/national elite male road cyclists. Of them, 16 athletes (age: 16.21.1 years; training experience: 5.02.1 years) fully completed all components of the study. Aerobic fitness was measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (graded exercise test to exhaustion), while anaerobic fitness was evaluated using the 30-second modified Wingate anaerobic test. Each recorded training session time was distributed across training and activity forms as well as intensity zones. Results: The endurance training form used in the preparatory period was characterized by low-volume (~7.7h×wk-1), nonpolarised (median polarization index 0.15) pyramidal intensity distribution (zone1~68%; zone2~26%; zone3~1% total training volume). Endurance (specific and non-specific) and strength training forms accounted for ~95% and ~5% (respectively) of the total training time. Conclusion: Low-volume, non-polarised pyramidal intensity distribution training is probably not an effective stimulus for improving physical fitness in adolescent road cyclists. Disregarding high-intensity exercises in training programs for adolescent cyclists may result in stagnation or deterioration of physical fitness.

Inhaled beta2 -agonist, formoterol, enhances intense exercise performance, and sprint ability in elite cyclists.

Many athletes use long-acting beta2 -agonist formoterol in treatment of asthma. However, studies in non-athlete cohorts demonstrate that inhaled formoterol can enhance sprint performance calling into question whether its use in competitive sports should be restricted. We investigated whether formoterol at upper recommended inhaled doses (54 μg) would enhance sprint ability and intense exercise performance in elite cyclists. Twenty-one male cyclists (V̇O2max : 70.4 ± 4.3 mL × min-1 × kg-1 , mean ± SD) completed two 6-s all-out sprints followed by 4-min all-out cycling after inhaling either 54 μg formoterol or placebo. We also assessed cyclists' leg muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle fiber type distribution of vastus lateralis biopsies. Peak and mean power output during the 6-s sprint was 32 W (95% CI, 19-44 W, p < 0.001) and 36 W (95% CI, 24-48 W, p < 0.001) higher with formoterol than placebo, corresponding to an enhancing effect of around 3%. Power output during 4-min all-out cycling was 9 W (95% CI, 2-16 W, p = 0.01) greater with formoterol than placebo, corresponding to an enhancing effect of 2.3%. Performance changes in response to formoterol were unrelated to cyclists' VO2max and leg lean mass, whereas muscle fiber Type I distribution correlated with change in sprinting peak power in response to formoterol (r2 = 0.314, p = 0.012). Our findings demonstrate that an inhaled one-off dose of 54 μg formoterol has a performance-enhancing potential on sprint ability and short intense performance in elite male cyclists, which is irrespective of training status but partly related to muscle fiber type distribution for sprint ability.

Importance of training volume during intensified training in elite cyclists: Maintained vs. reduced volume at moderate intensity.

Male elite cyclists (average VO2 -max: 71 mL/min/kg, n = 18) completed 7 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIT) (3×/week; 4-min and 30-s intervals) during the competitive part of the season. The influence of a maintained or lowered total training volume combined with HIT was evaluated in a two-group design. Weekly moderate-intensity training was lowered by ~33% (~5 h) (LOW, n = 8) or maintained at normal volume (NOR, n = 10). Endurance performance and fatigue resistance were evaluated via 400 kcal time-trials (~20 min) commenced either with or without prior completion of a 120-min preload (including repeated 20-s sprints to simulate physiologic demands during road races). Time-trial performance without preload was improved after the intervention (p = 0.006) with a 3% increase in LOW (p = 0.04) and a 2% increase in NOR (p = 0.07). Preloaded time-trial was not significantly improved (p = 0.19). In the preload, average power during repeated sprinting increased by 6% in LOW (p < 0.01) and fatigue resistance in sprinting (start vs end of preload) was improved (p < 0.05) in both groups. Blood lactate during the preload was lowered (p < 0.001) solely in NOR. Measures of oxidative enzyme activity remained unchanged, whereas the glycolytic enzyme PFK increased by 22% for LOW (p = 0.02). The present study demonstrates that elite cyclists can benefit from intensified training during the competitive season both with maintained and lowered training volume at moderate intensity. In addition to benchmarking the effects of such training in ecological elite settings, the results also indicate how some performance and physiological parameters may interact with training volume.

Hematological, skeletal muscle fiber and exercise performance adaptations to heat training in elite female and male cyclists.

Heat exercise training may increase exercise performance in athletes. The underlying mechanisms remain partly unresolved, and it is unknown if female and male athletes may experience comparable gains. The aims were to investigate whether heat training (HEAT) increases hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), skeletal muscle fiber characteristics and thermoneutral exercise performance in elite female and male endurance athletes. Female (n=20; VO2max = 58.2 ± 6.7 ml.min.kg) and male (n=27; VO2max = 76.4 ± 7.8 ml.min.kg) cyclists were studied before and after five weeks of randomized control or HEAT training consisting of five weekly sessions each of 50 min duration which were included in their normal training regimes. Overall, the observed relative responses to HEAT were largely similar in female and male study participants. HEAT increased (P<0.05) Hbmass in female from 650 ± 77 to 675 ± 76 g (4.0 ± 1.6%) and from 1008 ± 155 to 1041 ± 147 g (3.5 ± 2.3%) in male. In contrast, skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity, fiber type distribution and capillary density remained unchanged with HEAT. Lactate threshold, VO2max and mean power output during 15 min all out testing were all enhanced (P<0.05) following HEAT in female and male study participants. In conclusion, five weeks of HEAT increases Hbmass in female and male elite cyclists and improves exercise performance in a thermoneutral environment. Based on this, heat training may be recommended to elite female and male athletes aiming to perform in a thermoneutral environment.

Cardiac autonomic regulation in response to functional power threshold testing in elite cyclists.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a functional power threshold test (FTP) on cardiac autonomic regulation indicators in high performance cyclists. &#x0D; Methods: A total of 12 male elite cyclists (mean age 36.1 ± 11.2 years) were recruited. Body composition parameters were measured using bioimpedancemetry and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after the application of the FTP assessment. &#x0D; Results: We observed that a greater sympathetic nervous system (SNS) index and Stress index on baseline were correlated with a smaller decrease in the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity in response to the FTP test (rho = 0.69, p = 0.013). Concerning morphological parameters, the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was the only one that was inversely correlated with ∆PNS (rho = -0.69, p = 0.02) whereas the muscle-bone index (MBI) displayed a positive correlation with ∆SNS (rho = 0.82, p = 0.001). In fully adjusted models we found that waist-to-hip ratio (beta = 7.90, CI95%[4.16, 11.63], t(8) = 4.88, p = 0.001) and SMI significantly influenced ∆PNS (beta = -1.38, CI95%[-1.84, -0.92], t(8) = -6.94, p &lt; 0.001), whereas MBI (beta = 10.26, CI95%[8.10, 12.42], t(8) = 10.96, p &lt; 0.001) and the interaction between the latter and Power achieved during FTP influenced ∆SNS (beta = -0.05, CI95%[-0.09, -4.99e-03], t(8) = -2.56, p = 0.033). &#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the SMI had a negative effect on the ∆PNS, while the MBI was positively correlated with the ∆SNS in cyclists. These findings suggest that a higher SMI and MBI could have a detrimental impact on the cardiac autonomic response to maximal aerobic exercise in high-performance cyclists, such as FTP.

Low Bone Mineral Density and Associated Risk Factors in Elite Cyclists at Different Stages of a Professional Cycling Career.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in male and female elite cyclists at different stages of a professional cycling career and to identify potential risk factors of low BMD. In this cross-sectional study, 93 male and female early career, advanced career, and postcareer elite cyclists completed dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the hip, femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body; blood sampling; assessment of training history and injuries; and the bone-specific physical activity questionnaire. Backward stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between BMD and its potential predictors in early and advanced career (i.e., active career) cyclists. With a mean Z -score of -0.3 ± 0.8, -1.5 ± 1.0, and -1.0 ± 0.9, low BMD ( Z -score < -1) at the lumbar spine was present in 27%, 64%, and 50% of the early, advanced, and postcareer elite male cyclists, respectively. Lumbar spine Z -scores of -0.9 ± 1.0, -1.0 ± 1.0, and 0.2 ± 1.4 in early, advanced, and postcareer elite female cyclists, respectively, indicated low BMD in 45%, 45%, and 20% of these female subpopulations. Regression analyses identified body mass index, fracture incidence, bone-specific physical activity, and triiodothyronine as the main factors associated with BMD. Low BMD is highly prevalent in elite cyclists, especially in early career females and advanced career males and females. These low BMD values may not fully recover after the professional cycling career, given the substantial prevalence of low BMD in retired elite cyclists. Exploratory analyses indicated that low BMD is associated with low body mass index, fracture incidence, lack of bone-specific physical activity, and low energy availability in active career elite cyclists.

Comparison of Complex and Simple Anthropometrics in the Descriptive Anthropometric Assessment of Male Cyclists

Introduction: Compare the importance of complex (areas and volumes) and simple (lengths and girths) surface anthropometrics in the descriptive anthropometric assessment of the lower body of male cyclists from different disciplines. Method: Using a 3dMDBody5 3D surface imaging system and bespoke software (KinAnthroScan), anthropometrics of the lower body of 23 male non-cyclists and 57 elite male cyclists from different cycling disciplines: sprint (track and road (hill)), endurance (road, &gt; 50 miles), time trial (road, &lt; 50 miles) and mountain bike (cross-country and enduro) were collected. Results: Several anthropometrics differed between cycling groups and when compared to the non-cyclists group; the sprint group demonstrated the largest magnitude of difference with other cycling disciplines and the non-cyclists group, whereas the time trial and mountain bike groups demonstrated the least. Complex anthropometrics were able to distinguish between groups as effectively as simple anthropometrics, and in some cases, were able to distinguish differences that were unidentifiable through simple anthropometrics alone. Conclusions: Researchers, anthropometrists and practitioners should consider the collection and use of complex anthropometrics to improve the understanding of anthropometric differences within descriptive anthropometry, alongside adopting caution when researching groups of cyclists from different disciplines due to their differing anthropometric profiles - categorising them by discipline when possible.

The occurrence of flexion-relaxation phenomenon in elite cyclists during trunk forward bending

ABSTRACT Flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is a well-knownphenomenon in spinal extensor muscles. According to the literature, prolongedflexed posture leads to creepphenomenon and affects the active and passive neuromuscular control of thespinal column. The purpose of this study was to investigateFRP occurrence in elite cyclists that prolonged flexion posture is an integralpart of their professional life. Their muscles’ contractionpattern during forward bending was also compared. Electromyography(EMG) was recorded during flexion andextension from standing position in thoracic erector spinae (TES), lumbarerector spinae (LES) and gluteus maximus (Gluteus max) in 15 healthy male elite cyclists. In addition, thekinematic data related to the trunk angles were simultaneously recorded by amotion analysis system. Two-way ANOVA was used to assess the effects of musclegroup and direction of movement on maximum amplitude of EMG activity. Among 15 cyclists, FRP was detectable in 60%, 87%and 73% of the participants in TES, LES and Gluteus max, respectively, and happened between 74% and 82% of the trunk flexion. There was nostatistically significant difference in onset and offset of muscles FRP. Despite prolonghyper kyphotic posture, FRP was identifiable in TES, LES and Gluteus max muscles of elitecyclists.

Patterns of energy availability of free-living athletes display day-to-day variability that is not reflected in laboratory-based protocols: Insights from elite male road cyclists

ABSTRACT The physiological effects of low energy availability (EA) have been studied using a homogenous daily EA pattern in laboratory settings. However, whether this daily EA pattern represents those of free-living athletes and is therefore ecologically valid is unknown. To investigate this, we assessed daily exercise energy expenditure, energy intake and EA in 10 free-living elite male road cyclists (20 min Mean Maximal Power: 5.27 ± 0.25 W · kg−1) during 7 consecutive days of late pre-season training. Energy intake was measured using the remote-food photography method and exercise energy expenditure estimated from cycling crank-based power-metres. Seven-day mean ± SD energy intake and exercise energy expenditure was 57.9 ± 10.4 and 38.4 ± 8.6 kcal · kg FFM−1 · day−1, respectively. EA was 19.5 ± 9.1 kcal · kg FFM−1 · day−1. Within-participants correlation between daily energy intake and exercise energy expenditure was .62 (95% CI: .43 – .75; P < .001), and .60 (95% CI: .41 – .74; P < .001) between carbohydrate intake and exercise energy expenditure. However, energy intake only partially compensated for exercise energy expenditure, increasing 210 kcal · day−1 per 1000 kcal · day−1 increase in expenditure. EA patterns displayed marked day-to-day fluctuation (range: −22 to 76 kcal · kg FFM−1 · day−1). The validity of research using homogenous low EA patterns therefore requires further investigation.

Kinematics of Backward Standing Starts in Elite Cyclists: The Effect of Initial Crank Angle

ABSTRACT Purpose: In modern sprint cycling competitions, the athletes perform a preparatory movement that consists in reaching the backmost standing position, quickly accelerating the body forward at the starting signal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematics of backward standing starts in elite cyclists, as well as the effect of initial crank angle. Methods: Video analysis of cycling starts was performed in seven male elite cyclists during 30 m sprints and in 3 starting conditions: seated with a self-selected crank angle (S-ss), backward standing from a self-selected (BSt-ss) or imposed crank angle of 90° (BSt-90°). Average velocity after 5 and 30 m was also measured by means of a photocell system. Results: No differences in starting crank angle were observed between BSt-ss and S-ss (about 64°). The fastest starts were attained in BSt-ss (highest velocity at 5 and 30 m); in this condition, angular downstroke velocity was the highest and the counter movement occurred earlier than in BSt-90°. Significant positive associations were observed between angular velocity in the first downstroke and forward velocity at 5 and 30 m. Conclusions: These findings indicate that backward standing starts improve cycling performance (compared to seated starts), that an initial crank angle < 90° is preferable, and that elite cyclists maintain the initial advantage at least up to a distance of 30 m.

Validity of detrended fluctuation analysis of heart rate variability to determine intensity thresholds in elite cyclists

ABSTRACT Background: The evaluation of performance in endurance athletes and the subsequent individualisation of training is based on the determination of individual physiological thresholds during incremental tests. Gas exchange or blood lactate analysis are usually implemented for this purpose, but these methodologies are expensive and invasive. The short-term scaling exponent alpha 1 of detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA-α1) of the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been proposed as a non-invasive methodology to detect intensity thresholds. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyse the validity of DFA-α1 HRV analysis to determine the individual training thresholds in elite cyclists and to compare them against the lactate thresholds. Methodology: 38 male elite cyclists performed a graded exercise test to determine their individual thresholds. HRV and blood lactate were monitored during the test. The first (LT1 and DFA-α1-0.75, for lactate and HRV, respectively) and second (LT2 and DFA-α1-0.5, for lactate and HRV, respectively) training intensity thresholds were calculated. Then, these points were matched to their respective power output (PO) and heart rate (HR). Results: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the DFA-α1-0.75 and LT1 with significant positive correlations in PO (r = 0.85) and HR (r = 0.66). The DFA-α1-0.5 was different against LT2 in PO (p = 0.04) and HR (p = 0.02), but it showed significant positive correlation in PO (r = 0.93) and HR (r = 0.71). Conclusions: The DFA1-a-0.75 can be used to estimate LT1 non-invasively in elite cyclists. Further research should explore the validity of DFA-α1-0.5. Highlights The power and heart rate values derived from the DFA-α1-0.75 threshold showed high levels of validity and agreement when they were compared against the first lactate threshold. The second lactate threshold and the DFA-α1-0.5 were different (p < 0.05) but showed high levels of correlation. The detrended fluctuation analysis is a valid method to estimate the first lactate threshold and more studies are needed to verify its validity with the second lactate threshold.

Case Study: Energy Availability and Endocrine Markers in Elite Male Track Cyclists.

To highlight energy availability status, resting metabolic rate measures, dietary protein intake, and testosterone concentration in 4 elite male track cycling athletes (mean [SD]: age: 20.8 [1.5]y, body mass: 76.3 [3.6]kg, height: 181.8 [2.9]cm). A cross-sectional observation included measures of energy availability (energy intake minus exercise energy expenditure, divided by fat-free mass), resting metabolic rate from indirect calorimetry, dietary protein intake from food records, blood analysis to assess sex hormone status, and performance markers. Midrange testosterone (16.9-19.8nmol/L), lowered resting metabolic rate ratio (0.76-0.98), varied luteinizing hormone (4-10U/L), and suboptimal energy availability (26-41kcal/kg fat-free mass/d, range) were observed in the male track cyclists. Protein intakes ranged from 2.0 g to 2.8g protein/kg/d. The current cohort may have within-day energy deficiency, putting them in a catabolic state.

A single field test evaluation for the assessment of the Record Power Profile in cycling

The validity of a single field test to produce a Record Power Profile (RPP) has not been investigated thoroughly in comparison with a RPP obtained during a full cycling season. We hypothesized that the values obtained from a single field test would match closely the values obtained during the season to define a RPP, and that cyclists would reach the highest power outputs (PO) during training sessions rather than in competition. The PO of eight male elite cyclists (maximal aerobic power 6.8±0.4 W/kg) was recorded during 12 months. They completed a Peak Power Profile test (PPP) during the competitive season including all-out efforts of 5 s, 12 s, and 30 s followed by 5 and 20 min. They were required to self-select their itinerary, pace, warm-up strategy and recovery efforts. An overall significant positive correlation was found between maximal power outputs obtained during the successive durations during the PPP and i) during training sessions (R2= 0.97) and ii) in competition (R2= 0.91). Conversely, peak PO during the PPP were higher than in competition only for short efforts (≤ 30 s). Training sessions represented the most common situation to achieve a record PO (55%) followed by the PPP (27.5%). This study reports the interest for a cyclist to perform a PPP to establish a RPP that would closely match potential values obtained during training (shorter efforts) or competition (longer efforts). Similar self-selected warm-up and recovery patterns in all cyclists illustrate a good reliability of the test. The underpinning strong motivation needed to reach ones peak PO over successive durations during one single field test may limit its validity over longer durations so that the 20 min peak power output may ideally be obtained from a separate field test.

Impact of Optimal Timing of Intake of Multi-Ingredient Performance Supplements on Sports Performance, Muscular Damage, and Hormonal Behavior across a Ten-Week Training Camp in Elite Cyclists: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS), ingested pre- or post-workout, have been shown to increase physiological level effects and integrated metabolic response on exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of pre-and post-training supplementation with its own MIPS, associated with CHO (1 g·kg−1) plus protein (0.3 g·kg−1) on exercise-related benchmarks across a training camp for elite cyclists. Thirty elite male cyclists participated in a randomized non-placebo-controlled trial for ten weeks assigned to one of three groups (n = 10 each): a control group treated with CHO plus protein after training (CG); a group treated with MIPS before training and a CHO plus protein after training, (PRE-MIPS); a group treated with CHO plus protein plus MIPS after training, (POST-MIPS). Performance parameters included (VO2max, peak; median and minimum power (W) and fatigue index (%)); hormonal response (Cortisol; Testosterone; and Testosterone/Cortisol ratio); and muscle biomarkers (Creatine kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Myoglobin (Mb)) were assessed. MIPS administered before or after training (p ≤ 0.05) was significantly influential in attenuating CK, LDH, and MB; stimulating T response and modulating C; and improved on all markers of exercise performance. These responses were greater when MIPS was administered post-workout.

The Inclusion of Sprints in Low-Intensity Sessions During the Transition Period of Elite Cyclists Improves Endurance Performance 6 Weeks Into the Subsequent Preparatory Period.

To investigate the effects of including repeated sprints in a weekly low-intensity (LIT) session during a 3-week transition period on cycling performance 6 weeks into the subsequent preparatory period (PREP) in elite cyclists. Eleven elite male cyclists (age = 22.0 [3.8]y, body mass = 73.0 [5.8]kg, height = 186 [7]cm, maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] = 5469 [384]mL·min-1) reduced their training load by 64% and performed only LIT sessions (CON, n = 6) or included 3 sets of 3 × 30-second maximal sprints in a weekly LIT session (SPR, n = 5) during a 3-week transition period. There was no difference in the reduction in training load during the transition period between groups. Physiological and performance measures were compared between the end of the competitive period and 6 weeks into the PREP. SPR demonstrated a 7.3% (7.2%) improvement in mean power output during a 20-minute all-out test at PREP, which was greater than CON (-1.3% [4.6%]) (P = .048). SPR had a corresponding 7.0% (3.6%) improvement in average VO2 during the 20-minute all-out test, which was larger than the 0.7% (6.0%) change in CON (P = .042). No change in VO2max, gross efficiency, or power output at blood lactate concentration of 4mmol·L-1 from competitive period to PREP occurred in either group. Including sprints in a weekly LIT session during the transition period of elite cyclists provided a performance advantage 6 weeks into the subsequent PREP, which coincided with a higher performance VO2.

The Influence of Training Load on Hematological Athlete Biological Passport Variables in Elite Cyclists.

The hematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is used in elite sport for antidoping purposes. Its aim is to better target athletes for testing and to indirectly detect blood doping. The ABP allows to monitor hematological variations in athletes using selected primary blood biomarkers [hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and reticulocyte percentage (Ret%)] with an adaptive Bayesian model to set individual upper and lower limits. If values fall outside the individual limits, an athlete may be further targeted and ultimately sanctioned. Since (Hb) varies with plasma volume (PV) fluctuations, possibly caused by training load changes, we investigated the putative influence of acute and chronic training load changes on the ABP variables. Monthly blood samples were collected over one year in 10 male elite cyclists (25.6 ± 3.4 years, 181 ± 4 cm, 71.3 ± 4.9 kg, 6.7 ± 0.8 W.kg−1 5-min maximal power output) to calculate individual ABP profiles and monitor hematological variables. Total hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and PV were additionally measured by carbon monoxide rebreathing. Acute and chronic training loads–respectively 5 and 42 days before sampling–were calculated considering duration and intensity (training stress score, TSSTM). (Hb) averaged 14.2 ± 0.0 (mean ± SD) g.dL−1 (range: 13.3–15.5 g·dl−1) over the study with significant changes over time (P = 0.004). Hbmass was 1030 ± 87 g (range: 842–1116 g) with no significant variations over time (P = 0.118), whereas PV was 4309 ± 350 mL (range: 3,688–4,751 mL) with a time-effect observed over the study time (P = 0.014). Higher acute–but not chronic—training loads were associated with significantly decreased (Hb) (P <0.001). Although individual hematological variations were observed, all ABP variables remained within the individually calculated limits. Our results support that acute training load variations significantly affect (Hb), likely due to short-term PV fluctuations, underlining the importance of considering training load when interpreting individual ABP variations for anti-doping purposes.

TIME TO EXHAUSTION AT 90 AND 100% VO2MAX AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF 3 KM PERFORMANCE IN ELITE CYCLISTS

The minimal power that elicits VO2max and the time to exhaustion (tlimit) at this workload appear to determine cyclists’ endurance capabilities, analyze performance and help coaches to design training. Data in the literature are limited so as to elucidate this. The aim of this study was to investigate the tlimit at the power output, which corresponds to 90 (tlimit 90) and 100% VO2max (tlimit 100) in elite endurance cyclists. The contribution of tlimit in 3 km indoor individual time trial was also studied. Subjects were eleven elite male road cyclists (age 17.7  0.5 years, body mass 66.8  4.9 kg, body height 176.3  7.4 cm, VO2max 69.77  2.58 ml.kg-1.min-1). Power output at 90 and 100% VO2max was determined by continuous incremental testing. This protocol had steps of 2 min and increments of 30 W. The exhaustive trials tlimit 90 or tlimit 100 were performed in random order at least five days apart. Five days after the last exhaustive trial, cyclists performed an individual 3 km time trial on an indoor wooden track. Mean sd, tlimit 90 and tlimit 100 were 16:27.73  07:46.6 and 4:48.6  00:53.2 min:sec. Time to exhaustion at tlimit 90 and tlimit 100 ranged between 07:00-30:15 and 03:10-06:00 min:sec, respectively. Tlimit 100, tlimit 90 and VO2max (ml.min-1) did not correlate with 3 km cycling performance (r = 0.08, 0.16 and –0.59, p &gt; 0.05). Tlimit 90 was inversely related (r = –0.49, p = 0.1) with VO2max (ml.min-1). Only power output which corresponded to ventilatory threshold and VO2max correlated significantly with 3 km performance (r = –0.83 and –0.80, p &lt; 0.01). The results of this study indicate that: a) if cyclists’ training intensity is based on %VO2max, individual determination of the tlimit at the %VO2max has to be considered due to a wide range of tlimit to exhaustion; b) 3 km performance directly depends on the power that corresponds with ventilatory threshold and VO2max.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0723/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;