Individual Time Trial Research Articles

Comparison of power output demands for a top-10 ranking between Tour de France and Vuelta a España

Background: Grand Tours (GT) are extreme endurance cycling events with about 3500 km covered in twenty-one stages during three weeks. Using the heart rate measurement, Lucia et al. (Lucia et al., 2003: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 35(5), 872-878) showed that the total exercise load (volume x intensity) do not differ between the Tour de France (TdF) and Vuelta a Espana (VaE). Since powermeters are daily used by the professional cyclists, there are some studies which investigated power output (PO) during Grand Tour but none has made PO measurement on a top-10 overall ranking cyclist to compare PO in different intensity zones in TdF and VaE.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the physical performance level between TdF and VaE of a top-10 overall ranking cyclist from PO measurements.  Methods: The PO data of a cyclist (23 yrs, 180 cm and 65 kg) who finished in the top-10 overall ranking in TdF 2012 (10th) and VaE 2013 (7th) were analysed to evaluate the physical performance level on each race from 1/ the determination of the Record Power Profile (RPP) of TdF and VaE according to the methodology of Pinot and Grappe (Pinot & Grappe, 2011: International Journal of Sports medicine, 32, 839-844) and 2/ the comparison of the maximal efforts in the five exercise intensity zones defined from the RPP.Results: Figure 1 shows the RPP of the cyclist in TdF and VaE. The performance level in the low part of the severe intensity (zone 3) is similar in the two GT (Table 1). In the heavy intensity (zone 2) there is a slight increase (+1.6%) of the performance level in VaE. The level of performance in moderate intensity (zone 1) and in force-velocity (zone 5) are higher in the Tdf (5.1% and 2.6%, respectively) while it’s the opposite in the high part of severe intensity (zone 4) (+6.9% in VaE).Discussion: This study shows that the maximal efforts made between 5 and 60 min both in the TdF and VaE are very close in a top-10 overall ranking.  This result means that the cyclist performed in the heavy and in the low part of the severe intensity zones at the same physical level of performance in the two GT although the characteristics of the roads were different (11 summit finishes & 36 km of individual time trials (ITT) in VaE 2013 vs. 4 summit finishes in Tdf 2012, longer stages (+8%) and 100 km of ITT). The results are in accordance with the specificity of the efforts performed between the maximal aerobic power (MAP) and the anaerobic threshold to get a ranking in the top 10 in a GT. Indeed, the general classification in a GT usually plays in mountain ascents and during ITT. The shorter and steeper finish ascents in VaE could explain why the record PO between 30 sec and 5 min were higher than in TdF. The higher level of performance in TdF in moderate intensity is due to a long breakaway of the cyclist performed to go win a stage. Conclusion: To achieve an overall ranking top 10 in a GT, the level of performance in the heavy and in the low part of the severe intensity zones is essential. To get there, the levels of both MAP and anaerobic threshold must be the highest possible.

Efectividad de las salidas frontal y lateral para la prueba de pista 300 metros CRI, patinaje de velocidad sobre ruedas

Se analizó y evaluó biomecánicamente, desde el plano sagital izquierdo, la Salida Frontal (SF) y la Salida Lateral (SL) en pruebas de velocidad de pista Contra el Reloj Individual (CRI), de once (11) Patinadores de Velocidad Sobre Ruedas (VSR), empleando el Software SIMI°Twinner Pro y el software SPSS (versión 19); lo que permitió determinar que la SF es la más efectiva que la SL para el desarrollo de las pruebas CRI en el patinaje de VSR.

Little soldiers in their cardboard cells

As medical professionals with long-standing experience in sports physiology and sports medicine in both the academic and sports world, we would like to comment on the recent manuscript by Heuberger et al. 1 regarding the lack of evidence for the efficacy and the negative risk–benefit of erythropoietin (EPO) use in cycling. Indeed, it has been a moving sports summer, with the confession by dozens of professional cyclists of the use of, among other substances, erythropoietin, with the public confession of seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong as the anticlimax. Erythropoietin use was like taking cups of coffee in the cycling world according to the following quotation: ‘Hey Dude, you got any Poe I can borrow? Lance pointed casually to the fridge. I opened it and there, on the door, next to a carton of milk, was a carton of EPO, each stoppered vial standing upright, little soldiers in their cardboard cells.’ 2.

Special aspects of elite cyclists’ training for individual time trial

Based on the analysis of scientific literature, competitive practice and survey of cyclists, the main problems of cyclists’ training for individual time trial were determined, аt the moment, these problems are closely related with coaches work, namely with their ignorance of sport training principles. There is also a lack of scientific information on how to realize athlete’s capabilities during competitive activity, related with continuous improvement of bicycles construction.

SportsTech: Cycling

At its heart a bike is a fairly simple engineering enterprise; a frame for support, two wheels for traction, direct drive gears and chain for power, and handlebars to steer. But when it comes to professional road racing, the complexity multiplies. Although injury has prevented Sir Bradley Wiggins defending his 2012 Tour de France crown when the race begins on 29 June, Team Sky will still field a strong squad including Chris Froome. The Kenyan-born cyclist, who rides for Great Britain, claimed a bronze in the individual time trial at the London Olympics last year. The highly engineered machines that Froome and his team mates will race over the 23 days, 3360 Km and 21 stages of Le Tour, are as far away from the road bikes that cycle the roads of the UK as a Formula One car is from a Ford Focus. Much like a Formula One car, a professional bike is the sum of all its parts; chassis, wheels, tyres and gears. The frames raced by Team Sky come from Italian manufacturer Pinarello; the Dodma 2 chassis for road racing and the Bolide for time trials.

The study of CELL FOOD improve cyclist aerobic endurance

To investigate how CELL FOOD improve the cyclist performance.METHODSPart I: 10 cyclists were divided two groups randomly, CF (cell food) group and PL (placebo) group. CF group used 30 drops per time with pure water, 3 times per day without other nutritional supplements for 28 days constant. PL group used mimetic acidic water and the dose was the same. At week 0 and week 4, all subjects do graded exercises test and at week 2 and week 3, do 3 km individual time trial test at track. Part II: 11 cyclists from different team. At day 0, without cell food; at day 1, before, during and after training, all subjects drink 30 drops separately; at day 2, only after training, all subjects drink 30 drops. Part I's results show that: 1) Compare week 0 with week 4, MaxVO2, peak power, and power at 4 mmol/l lactate acid were be improved. At week 4, the same trend can be found. 2) The competition result and heart rate 2 minutes after competition of CF group are better than PL group, P <0.05. Part II result indicated that: Three parameters like live support energy, oxygen intake rate, single load time at day 1 and day 2 are better than day 0, P<0.05. CF can improve aerobic endurance by change the oxygen intake, oxygen utilization, power output of cyclist.

Pacing Strategies of Inexperienced Children During Repeated 800 m Individual Time-Trials and Simulated Competition

Prior experience of fatiguing tasks is considered essential to establishing an optimal pacing strategy. This study examined the pacing behavior of inexperienced children during self-paced, 800 m running, both individually and within a competitive environment. Thirteen children (aged 9-11 y) completed a graded-exercise test to volitional exhaustion on a treadmill (laboratory trial), followed by three self-paced, individual 800 m time-trials (Trials 1-3) and one self-paced, competitive 800 m time-trial (Trial 4) on an outdoor athletics track. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout all trials. Overall performance time improved from Trial 1-3 (250.1 ± 50.4 s & 242.4 ± 51.5 s, respectively, p < .017). The difference in overall performance time between Trials 3 and 4 (260.5 ± 54.2 s) was approaching significance (p = .06). The pacing strategy employed from the outset was consistent across all trials. These findings dispute the notion that an optimal pacing strategy is learned with exercise experience or training.

Para-cycling performance was rather limited by physiological than functional factors

OPINION article Front. Physiol., 15 August 2012Sec. Exercise Physiology Volume 3 - 2012 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2012.00327

Effect of Pseudoephedrine on 800-m-Run Times of Female Collegiate Track Athletes

Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is an over-the-counter decongestant that might have ergogenic effects. The World Anti-Doping Agency has prohibited large doses (>150 μg/mL) of PSE, while the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) does not include it on their banned-substance list. This study examined the effect of body-weight dosing of PSE on 800-m-run times of NCAA female runners. Fifteen NCAA female track athletes volunteered to participate in the randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Participants were given 2.5 mg/kg PSE or placebo in trials separated by a week. Ninety minutes postingestion, participants completed an 800-m individual time trial on an indoor track. Finishing time was recorded with an automated video timing device. Heart rate and anxiety state scores were recorded immediately after each trial. Fourteen runners completed both trials, and 1 was an outlier: N=13. Despite the dose being well above normal therapeutic levels (144±17 mg), there was no significant difference (P=.92) in 800-m times between PSE (2:39.447±9.584) and placebo (2:39.372±9.636) trials, in postexercise heart rate (P=.635; PSE=177.9±14.5 beats/min, placebo=178.4±18.5 beats/min), or in anxiety-state levels (P=.650; PSE=38.4±11.6, placebo=38.1±8.8). A 2.5-mg/kg dose of PSE had no effect on 800-m performance for female NCAA runners. More research is needed to determine if PSE should be a specified banned substance.

Effect Of Pseudoephedrine On 800-m Run Times Of NCAA Division-I Women Athletes

Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a common sympathomimetic stimulant that is prohibited in large doses (> 150 µg·mL-1) by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) yet unrestricted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of body weight dosing of PSE on 800-m run times of NCAA female runners. METHODS: NCAA female track and field runners (N = 15) volunteered for a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Runners were administered both a placebo and 2.5 mg·kg-1 PSE a week apart. Ninety minutes post-ingestion, participants completed an 800-m individual time trial on an indoor track. Finishing time was recorded with an automated video timing device. Placebo and PSE running times were compared using a paired t-test. RESULTS: Fourteen runners completed both trials and one was an outlier; N = 13. Despite being dosed (144 mg ± 17 mg) well above normal therapeutic levels, there was no significant difference (p = 0.92) in 800-m times between the placebo (2:39.372 ± 9.636) and PSE (2:39.447 ± 9.584) trials. CONCLUSION: A 2.5 mg·kg-1 dose of PSE had no effect on 800-m run times. This raises the question as to why PSE is a specified prohibited substance by WADA.

Critical Power And Aerodynamic Drag Accurately Predict Road Time-trial Performance In British Champion Cyclists

PURPOSE: This case study examined the efficacy of wind-tunnel derived measures of aerodynamic drag combined with the critical power model to predict road cycling time trial performance. METHODS: One male (73.1 kg) and one female (68.0 kg) cyclist each won individual time trial races against the clock over 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles (16.1, 40.2, 80.5, 160.9 km; British Championships; out-and-back road courses). Power was recorded with a SRM Powermeter (SRM, Germany). Separately, critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC) were determined from the power-time relationship of race efforts of 20 to 50 min. Aerodynamic drag force was determined in a wind-tunnel at 13.9 m/s at 0° yaw (Mercedes GP F1). Course elevation profile was obtained via GPS records and cycling speed was predicted both a priori and in retrospect from estimated or known power-time data using the equations of Martin et al., (2006). RESULTS: CP was 416 and 299 W; AWC was 25.6 and 15.6 kJ (male and female respectively). Over the shortest duration race, predicted and actual race powers closely agreed, but not in longer races. When the actual race power was used in retrospect to predict speed, the difference between the actual and predicted times was on average 0.2%, and no greater than 1.1%, with no apparent bias. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive strength of the power-speed relationship (previously established for track cycling) holds true on the open road and allows a remarkably close estimate of race time. Small differences between the predicted and actual times are most likely derived from the effect of the prevailing wind and unaccounted-for differences in rolling resistance as well as the variable distribution of power across the course. These latter points will be elaborated upon.Table

Fatigue level after maximal exercise test (laboratory and road) in cyclists

Cordova A, Sainz J, Cuervas-Mons M, Tur JA, Pons A. Fatigue level after maximal exercise test (laboratory and road) in cyclists. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 358-369, 2010. Despite the importance of uphill cycling performance during cycling competitions, there is very little research investigating uphill cycling, particularly concerning field studies. The lack of research is partly due to the difficulties in obtaining data in the field. The aim of this study was analyze the fatigue after a maximal exercise test and the maximal blood lactate in elite cyclists after two maximal exercises, one on laboratory and other in field. In this study 14 semi-professional cyclists have participated. The trials consisted in a laboratory incremental test (LIT) to exhaustion, and a maximal individual uphill time trial test on road (UTT) (5.85±0.24% slope) during 12-minute. The results showed that in LIT the maximal heart rate (HRmax) (beats·min -1 ) was 188±9.8, with a maximum of blood lactate (LAmax) (mmol·L -1 ) of 13.9±2.5. Similar data were obtained in the 12 min maximal UTT (LAmax 15.2±3.1 mmol·L -1 , and HRmax 188±6.5 beats·min -1 ). A high correlation of LAmax (0.70) and HRmax (0.86) was obtained from both trials. No differences were observed with respect the fatigue data (psychological and dynamometric) between both test LIT vs UTT.We conclude that UTT test on road as a useful test to evaluate the cyclist’s physical condition. We think that is perfectly valid, reliable and reproducible, and is possible to carried by the made for the own cyclist or for the trainers. On the other hand, is important because we can obtain information about of performance as well as power feeling of cyclist. These results may be significant in physiological terms to monitor the training and for

Determination of the Ventilatory Threshold with Affective Valence and Perceived Exertion in Trained Cyclists: A Preliminary Study

The aim of the present study was to determine if trained cyclists have perceptual markers that can be used to identify the ventilatory threshold during a maximal exercise test. Ten trained cyclists (age 25.20 +/- 4.94 years; VO2max 63.6 +/- 6.3 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1)) performed a maximal graded test on a cycling ergometer. Perceived exertion and affective valence were measured each min of the maximal graded test. The results indicate that ventilatory threshold, perceived exertion, and affective valence are significantly different compared to the values assessed 1 minute after ventilatory threshold. Moreover, there were a significant relationships between power output and perceived exertion (p < 0.01; r = 0.97) and affective valence (p < 0.01; r = 0.94) measured during the maximal graded test. These results confirm that at ventilatory threshold a lot of significant changes of perceptual parameters appear and may be good indicators for athletes to determine their ventilatory threshold during a training session. This method could be interesting for cyclists to control the exercise intensity during individual time trial.

Streamlining the time trial apparel of cyclists: the Nike Swift Spin project

This paper documents the development of aerodynamic apparel for the Tour de France individual time trial (TT), the Olympic TT, and track cycling races. A wind tunnel and metric balance were used to measure the drag force (Fd) and wind tunnel air velocity on cylinders, limb models, and live cyclists clad in samples or suits sewn with one or more of 200 stretch fabrics. A concurrent measurement of model dimensions and frontal areas provided the non‐dimensional drag coefficient (Cd) and Reynolds Numbers (Re) that characterized the ability of the various fabrics and suits to reduce frictional drag and induce a drag crisis (DC) or premature flow transition. DC defines a critical air velocity over the body segments at which the airflow transitions from laminar to turbulent, yielding a smaller wake behind the body segment and a corresponding decrease in Fd. A number of fabrics triggered DC on cylinders and limb segments, reducing cylinder and limb Cd by over 40 per cent. Several methods of lowering the Fd of cyc...

Streamlining the time trial apparel of cyclists: The Nike swift spin project

This paper documents the development of aerodynamic apparel for the Tour de France individual time trial (TT), the Olympic TT, and track cycling races. A wind tunnel and metric balance were used to measure the drag force (Fd) and wind tunnel air velocity on cylinders, limb models, and live cyclists clad in samples or suits sewn with one or more of 200 stretch fabrics. A concurrent measurement of model dimensions and frontal areas provided the non‐dimensional drag coefficient (Cd) and Reynolds Numbers (Re) that characterized the ability of the various fabrics and suits to reduce frictional drag and induce a drag crisis (DC) or premature flow transition. DC defines a critical air velocity over the body segments at which the airflow transitions from laminar to turbulent, yielding a smaller wake behind the body segment and a corresponding decrease in Fd. A number of fabrics triggered DC on cylinders and limb segments, reducing cylinder and limb Cd by over 40 per cent. Several methods of lowering the Fd of cycling apparel proved effective, including custom fitting, aligning seams with the airflow, and matching fabric textures to body segments. Repeated drag measurements of the same cycling suit provided a mean drag of approximately 3200 g with a standard error of ± 29g. The final 2005 individual TT suit design, worn by a pedaling cyclist, had a measured drag at 53kph, which was 125 g less than typical 2001 TT cycling suits worn by competitors (Fd reduction 5 3.9 per cent). A mathematical model predicts that a drag difference of this magnitude would provide a time saving of approximately 44 s in a 55‐km Tour de France TT. In 2002–2005 and 2007, the production version of the ‘Swift Spin’ TT suit was worn by the winner of the Tour de France; by the women's hour record holder and by road; TT and track cyclists who set four world records, six Olympic records, and won seven medals in individual cycling races at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Field and laboratory correlates of performance in competitive cross-country mountain bikers

We designed a laboratory test with variable fixed intensities to simulate cross-country mountain biking and compared this to more commonly used laboratory tests and mountain bike performance. Eight competitive male mountain bikers participated in a cross-country race and subsequently did six performance tests: an individual outdoor time trial on the same course as the race and five laboratory tests. The laboratory tests were as follows: an incremental cycle test to fatigue to determine peak power output; a 26-min variable fixed-intensity protocol using an electronically braked ergometer followed immediately by a 1-km time trial using the cyclist's own bike on an electronically braked roller ergometer; two 52-min variable fixed-intensity protocols each followed by a 1-km time trial; and a 1-km time trial done on its own. Outdoor competition time and outdoor time trial time correlated significantly (r = 0.79, P < 0.05). Both outdoor tests correlated better with peak power output relative to body mass (both r = −0.83, P < 0.05) than absolute peak power output (outdoor competition: r = −0.65; outdoor time trial: r = −0.66; non-significant). Outdoor performance times did not correlate with the laboratory tests. We conclude that cross-country mountain biking is similar to uphill or hilly road cycling. Further research is required to design sport-specific tests to determine the remaining unexplained variance in performance.

The Relationship Between Power-Based Training Variables and Individual Time Trial Performance in Women's Cycling

Performance during the individual time trial and climbing events during stage races in professional road cycling often have the greatest influence on the final individual standings. However, the relationship between power-based training variables and performance in women's individual time trials during actual competition is not clear. PURPOSE: The goal of this investigation was to determine the correlation of anaerobic and aerobic power-based measures derived from training with race performances their predictive capabilities to race performance. METHODS: Power meter data from training sessions and racing during the 3 wks prior to each stage race and the competition was collected from eight international level professional female road cyclists (age = 31.1 ±3.3 yrs, mass = 56.1 ±2.8 kg) who had finished at least 4 of the 5 stage races that were part of the 2005 USCF National Racing Calendar series. The highest 1MMP (minute mean maximal power), 5MMP and 20MMP from the 3-wk period prior to each event were used to derive critical power (CP). Stepwise linear regression was conducted for each time trial with CP and 30MMP (W and W/kg) as the independent variables to determine the best predictor of performance time. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall mean CP ranged from 4.2 to 4.8 W/kg while the 30MMP ranged from 4.3 to 5.0 W/kg. Critical power (W/kg) was the best predictor overall for performance time for all five of the events analyzed in the study (Race 1: adj. R2 = 0.604, p < 0.024; Race 2: 0.764, p < 0.006; Race 3: 0.704, p < 0.023; Race 4: 0.980, p < 0.001; Race 5: 0.784, p < 0.005). The standard estimate of errors (SEE) for the prediction of performance times using CP (W/kg) were ±51, ±18, ±61, ±6, and ± 10s for mean performance times of 1028 ±82, 640 ± 36, 2614 ± 112, 986 ± 39, and 465 ± 21 s, respectively. The inclusion of 30MMP (W/kg) with CP (W/kg) marginally, though significant, improved the SEE for one uphill time trial by 7 s. CONCLUSION: Critical power (W/kg) derived from power outputs produced during training and racing prior to competition was a better predictor of the uphill and hilly terrain time trial events used in this study when compared to 30MMP (W and W/kg) and CP (W). Coaches and athletes could use CP to better prepare for similar time trial events and potentially use CP as a measurement for talent identification.

Distribution of Power Output During Cycling

We aim to summarise the impact and mechanisms of work-rate pacing during individual cycling time trials (TTs). Unlike time-to-exhaustion tests, a TT provides an externally valid model for examining how an initial work rate is chosen and maintained by an athlete during self-selected exercise. The selection and distribution of work rate is one of many factors that influence cycling speed. Mathematical models are available to predict the impact of factors such as gradient and wind velocity on cycling speed, but only a few researchers have examined the inter-relationships between these factors and work-rate distribution within a TT. When environmental conditions are relatively stable (e.g. in a velodrome) and the TT is >10 minutes, then an even distribution of work rate is optimal. For a shorter TT (< or = 10 minutes), work rate should be increased during the starting effort because this proportion of total race time is significant. For a very short TT (< or = 2 minutes), the starting effort should be maximal, since the time saved during the starting phase is predicted to outweigh any time lost during the final metres because of fatigue. A similar 'time saving' rationale underpins the advice that work rate should vary in parallel with any changes in gradient or wind speed during a road TT. Increasing work rate in headwind and uphill sections, and vice versa, decreases the variability in speed and, therefore, the total race time. It seems that even experienced cyclists naturally select a supraoptimal work rate at the start of a longer TT. Whether such a start can be 'blunted' through coaching or the monitoring of psychophysiological variables is unknown. Similarly, the extent to which cyclists can vary and monitor work rate during a TT is unclear. There is evidence that sub-elite cyclists can vary work rate by +/-5% the average for a TT lasting 25-60 minutes, but such variability might be difficult with high-performance cyclists whose average work rate during a TT is already extremely high (>350 watts). During a TT, pacing strategy is regulated in a complex anticipatory system that monitors afferent feedback from various physiological systems, and then regulates the work rate so that potentially limiting changes do not occur before the endpoint of exercise is reached. It is critical that the endpoint of exercise is known by the cyclist so that adjustments to exercise work rate can be made within the context of an estimated finish time. Pacing strategies are thus the consequence of complex regulation and serve a dual role: they are both the result of homeostatic regulation by the brain, as well as being the means by which such regulation is achieved. The pacing strategy 'algorithm' is sited in the brain and would need afferent input from interoceptors, such as heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as exteroceptors providing information on local environmental conditions. Such inputs have been shown to induce activity in the thalamus, hypothalamus and the parietal somatosensory cortex. Knowledge of time, modulated by the cerebellum, basal ganglia and primary somatosensory cortex, would also input to the pacing algorithm as would information stored in memory about previous similar exercise bouts. How all this information is assimilated by the different regions of the brain is not known at present.

Effect of tapered normal and interval training on performance of Standardbred pacers.

Human athletes taper or reduce their training load before a race to enhance performance, apparently because recovery from the effects of fatigue occurs faster than the loss of fitness from the reduced training. However, there appear to be no previous studies of tapering of equine athletes. Our aim in the present study was, therefore, to investigate the efficacy of tapering with Standardbred pacers. We determined the effect of repeated cycles of tapered training on performance of Standardbred pacers. After 8 weeks of jogging and 3 x 2 week cycles of pace work, 19 horses were randomised to a taper and a control group. The taper group completed 5 consecutive 2 week cycles, each incorporating a 7 day taper; some cycles included high-intensity interval training. The control group continued with 5 more cycles of pace work. All horses completed a 2400 m individual time trial after each cycle. Peak and mean speed of the taper group were faster than those of the control group in all cycles; the differences were clear-cut in all cycles for peak speed (overall 4.4%, 95% confidence interval 1.7 to 7.1%), but only in one of the interval-training cycles for mean speed (2.4%, 0.3 to 4.7%). Four horses in the taper group were injured during interval training. Repeated tapering produces a worthwhile enhancement of performance in Standardbreds, but the addition of interval training appears to increase the risk of injury.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE 2001 TOUR DE FRANCE

The 2001 Tour de France consisted of 21 daily stages over 23 days over flat and mountain terrain. Purpose: The study defined the statistical performance structure of the 2001 Tour finishers. Methods: The official race times for the Prologue and each of the 20 stages were downloaded from the Tour web site. These data were processed to obtain each cyclist's elapsed time for each stage. Exploratory factor analysis (Alpha) identified the performance structure. Results: The analysis identified two orthogonal factors that accounted for 33% of total race variance. Stages 10 to 14 were the primary variables that defined factor 1 and accounted for 28% of total race variance. These stages consisted of the 4 most-difficult climbs and the 32 km time trial that include a 21 km uphill climb. The orthogonal loadings for this climbing factor were: 0.78 for the time trial; and 0.81 to 0.84 for the four climbing stages. The 61-km individual time trial loaded moderately (0.38) on the climbing factor. Factor 2 accounted for just 5% of performance variance and included: four flat stages (0.38 to 0.57); 8 km Prologue time trial (0.44); and 67 km team time trial (0.51). The correlation between time for stages 10–14 and total race time was 0.94. The lowest times for these climbing stages (10–14) defined the final top four finishers (Armstrong, Ullrich, Beloki & Kivilev) Conclusion: The climbing performance was nearly 6 times more important than the speed factor and support Armstrong's stated view that the Tour starts in the mountains, but also suggests that it ended at Luz-Ardiden, the last major climbing stage.