High-intensity Cycling Performance Research Articles

Pacing strategy and high-intensity cycling performance

Pacing strategy and high-intensity cycling performance

Effect of posture on high-intensity constant-load cycling performance in men and women

The time sustained during a graded cycle exercise is approximately 10% longer in an upright compared with a supine posture. However, during constant-load cycling this effect is unknown. Therefore, we tested the postural effect on the performance of high-intensity constant-load cycling. Twenty-two active subjects (11 men, 11 women) performed two graded tests (one upright, one supine), and of those 22, 10 subjects (5 men, 5 women) performed three high-intensity constant-load tests (one upright, two supine). To test the postural effect on performance at the same absolute intensity, during the upright and one of the supine constant-load tests subjects cycled at 80% of the peak power output achieved during the upright graded test. To test the postural effect on performance at the same relative intensities, during the second supine test subjects cycled at 80% of the peak power output achieved during the supine graded test. Exercise time on the graded and absolute intensity constant-load tests for all subjects was greater (P<0.05) in the upright compared with supine posture (17.9+/-3.5 vs. 16.1+/-3.1 min for graded; 13.2+/-8.7 vs. 5.2+/-1.9 min for constant-load). This postural effect at the same absolute intensity was larger in men (19.4+/-8.5 upright vs. 6.6+/-1.6 supine, P<0.001) than women (7.1+/-2 upright vs. 3.9+/-1.4 supine, P>0.05) and it was correlated (P<0.05) with both the difference in VO2 between positions during the first minute of exercise (r=0.67) and the height of the subjects (r=0.72). In conclusion, there is a very large postural effect on performance during constant-load cycling exercise and this effect is significantly larger in men than women.

Caffeine lowers perceptual response and increases power output during high-intensity cycling

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine ingestion on a ‘preloaded’ protocol that involved cycling for 2 min at a constant rate of 100% maximal power output immediately followed by a 1-min ‘all-out’ effort. Eleven male cyclists completed a ramp test to measure maximal power output. On two other occasions, the participants ingested caffeine (5 mg · kg−1) or placebo in a randomized, double-blind procedure. All tests were conducted on the participants' own bicycles using a Kingcycle™ test rig. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; 6–20 Borg scale) were lower in the caffeine trial by approximately 1 RPE point at 30, 60 and 120 s during the constant rate phase of the preloaded test (P <0.05). The mean power output during the all-out effort was increased following caffeine ingestion compared with placebo (794±164 vs 750±163 W; P = 0.05). Blood lactate concentration 4, 5 and 6 min after exercise was also significantly higher by approximately 1 mmol · l−1 in the caffeine trial (P <0.05). These results suggest that high-intensity cycling performance can be increased following moderate caffeine ingestion and that this improvement may be related to a reduction in RPE and an elevation in blood lactate concentration.

Effect of precooling on high intensity cycling performance.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of precooling skin and core temperature on a 70 second cycling power test performed in a warm and humid environment (29 degrees C, 80% relative...

Fluid Ingestion Does not Improve High-Intensity Cycling Performance

Fluid Ingestion Does not Improve High-Intensity Cycling Performance

Human cardiovascular adjustments to exercise and thermal stress.

Human cardiovascular adjustments to exercise and thermal stress.

Body temperatures and sweating during exhaustive exercise.

Body temperatures and sweating during exhaustive exercise.