Performance In Cyclists Research Articles

Optimal pacing strategy modeling of cycling individual time trials

Improving the performance of professional cyclists during individual time trials has been a challenge for several decades. In this study, the fatigue power profiles of male and female professional cyclists were characterized and a novel optimal pacing strategy model was established to determine the output power distribution based on the simulated annealing algorithm. Moreover, the model was implemented on the male 2021 UCI ITT course and the female 2021 Olympic ITT course. Compared with the actual performance of the professional cyclists, the race scores predicted by this model are among the best, which indicates that the model is highly practical and instructive. Considering riders are unlikely to follow the detailed plan exactly and their output power can deviate from the optimal power, a sensitivity analysis was conducted and the results demonstrated the high stability and reliability of the model.

242-OR: Bilateral Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex High-Definition Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) Improves Time-Trial Performance in Elite Cyclists with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

HD-tDCS is capable to increase the focality of neuromodulation and has been recently applied to improve endurance performance in healthy subjects. Here, in a double-blind, counterbalanced, randomized order, elite cyclists (27 ± 4.3 years; BMI: 20.2 ± 1.2 kg/m2; VO2peak: 67.5 ± 1.2 mL/min/kg) with T1D (no complications) underwent either HD-tDCS (F3, F4) or control (SHAM) and completed a constant-load trial at 75% of the 2nd ventilatory threshold plus a 15-km cycling time-trial (TT) . After HD-tDCS, the total time to cover the TT was 3.8 % faster (P<.01) and associated with higher mean power output (P<.01) and a lower rate of perceived exertion/power at iso-time (F=5.7; P<.01) than the SHAM condition. Cadence, lactate, glycemia, heart rate did not differ in both conditions. These findings suggest that upregulation of the prefrontal cortex could safely enhance endurance performance in elite cyclists with T1D, without altering physiological and perceptual responses at moderate intensity. Present data open to future applications of HD-tDCS to a wider population of active T1D-subjects. Disclosure R.Codella: None. L.Filipas: None. G.Gallo: None. L.Luzi: Advisory Panel; Eli Lilly and Company, Speaker's Bureau; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk.

The aerodynamic assessment of tandem cyclists in preparation for the 2021 Paralympic Games: A case study

Reducing the level of aerodynamic drag (CdA) via use of a wind tunnel will ultimately improve a competitive cyclists performance. Whilst this tool is widely considered a ‘gold standard’, previous studies have centred on single riders or scale models to evaluate aerodynamic drag. No study to date has assessed the precision of wind tunnel testing with the additional perceived complexity of a tandem bicycle with a pair of competitive paracyclists. The first part of this investigation evaluated the use of a wind tunnel in the assessment of tandem paracyclists. A male and female team of paracyclists riding tandem versions of either a time trial track bicycle or a road/time trial bicycle undertook a series of measurement intervals in a wind tunnel. Three different combinations of these riders and bicycles obtained a Coefficient of Variation of their mean CdA of 1.8%–2.6%. The second part of this investigation acted as a case study by implementing a range of aerodynamic interventions to potentially reduce the male team’s CdA. For example, progressive efforts reduced a team’s CdA from the baseline of 0.338 m2 to ultimately 0.321 m2 predominately by lowering both tandem riders heads Whilst tandem cyclist performance enhancement has recieved scant attention in the past, this case study only highlights the value of doing so in the future.

Anti-Theft System for Two Wheelers

This project presents a smart bike with monitoring system for cyclist via internet of things (IoT). The system is designed for real time monitoring of cyclist in terms of health condition and cyclist's performance. The whole system consists of various sensors such as heart rate sensor, pulse oximetry sensor, magnet reed sensor and GPS module. The sensors are connected to the microcontroller and Wi-Fi module that can be accessed through an IoT platform which is blink application. The data of the cyclist in terms of health condition and cyclist's performance can be monitored by the cyclist as well as their coach. First, heart rate sensor was used to monitor the heart rate of the cyclist within time whereas pulse oximetry sensor was used to measure the oxygen saturation inside the cyclist's body. Meanwhile, magnet reed sensor was mounted to the frame of the bike to measure the speed and distance travelled by the cyclist. Plus, GPS module was used to track and trace the position of the cyclist. The data that have been transmitted can be synchronized or displayed on smartphone via blink application. Therefore, GUI interface of blink application displayed the parameter such as heart rate, pulse oximetry, speed, distance travelled and position for the cyclist and coach to monitor their health condition and cyclist's while in training or tournament. IoT is the internetworking of physical devices, vehicles, and other devices embedded with the electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity that enable to get data of those objects. Confiscating details from their own vehicle without making any physical touch is a hardly possible one. Augmentation of Smartphone makes a large impact in society by diminishing their toil. A surge movement of applications in the Smartphone may cutback the human’s accent. In India transportation is a booming field where the count of vehicles increasing day by day. Security and maintenance of those vehicles is a risky one. Monitoring vehicle parameters like fuel, engine oil, tyre pressure is an ideal to know without making any physical touch of the vehicle. Digital locking system is a much needed one in this digital domain. Tracking of our vehicle is also a vital one when your vehicle is not with you. IoT based vehicle parameter monitoring system is a capable one which leads to monitor our vehicle’s parameters such as fuel level, tyre pressure, engine oil level through an Android App. It’s Smart RFID digital key secure your vehicle more than by accessing by keys. In this app we can save our vehicle documents, user driving license, insurance copy and other documents. Notification for engine oil, battery rejuvenation is also done. Message and share’s location to trusted persons whenever ensue accidents..

MitoQ supplementation improves oxygen uptake kinetic by reduced reactive oxygen species levels and altered expression of miR‐155 and miR‐181b

BackgroundMitochondrial antioxidant (MitoQ) has been developed as a pharmaceutical for diseases. Few studies have investigated the role of MitoQ in enhancing athletic performance. Thus, the purpose of the study was to determine the effects of MitoQ supplementation to exercise training (EX) on the oxygen uptake kinetic, oxidative stress, and MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulating vascular inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.Methods32 healthy young cyclists (25.6±3.8yr) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8); 1) Placebo, 2) EX (Cycle ergometer, moderate intensity), 3) MitoQ (20 mg/day, oral), and 4) EX+MitoQ. Oxygen uptake kinetics during low, moderate, and severe intensity cycling were measured before and after two weeks of interventions. Serum levels of ROS, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutases (SOD) were measured. miR‐19b, miR‐155, miR‐181b, and miRNA‐146a were measured by RT‐qPCR.ResultsEX+MitoQ accelerated the phase Ⅱ of oxygen uptake kinetic (moderate intensity) compared to EX (P<0.05). Both EX+MitoQ and MitoQ reduced ROS levels but there was no change in EX (P<0.05). GPx was increased in EX, MitoQ, and EX+MitoQ (P<0.05) whereas SOD levels in all groups were not different. miR‐155 and miR‐19b expressions were decreased in EX+MitoQ compared to EX (P<0.05). miR‐146a was increased in EX+MitoQ compared to EX only (P<0.05). There was no difference of miR‐181b between EX and Mito+Q. Placebo effects were not found.ConclusionsA short‐term MitoQ supplementation to aerobic training enhanced oxygen utilization during a moderate performance in cyclists compared to training alone by reduced ROS levels and altered expression of miR‐155 and miR‐181b mediating vascular endothelial inflammation and ROS generation.

Analysing Cycling Sensors Data Through Ordinal Logistic Regression with Functional Covariates

AbstractWith the emergence of digital sensors in sports, all cyclists can now measure many parameters during their effort, such as speed, slope, altitude, heart rate or pedalling cadence. The present work studies the effect of these parameters on the average developed power, which is the best indicator of cyclist performance. For this, a cumulative logistic model for ordinal response with functional covariate is proposed. This model is shown to outperform competitors on a benchmark study, and its application on cyclist data confirms that pedalling cadence is a key performance indicator. However, maintaining a high cadence during long effort is a typical characteristic of high-level cyclists, which is something on which amateur cyclists can work to increase their performance.

Body and mind? Exploring physiological and psychological factors to explain endurance performance in cycling

ABSTRACT Endurance athletes attribute performance not only to physiological factors, but also refer to psychological factors such as motivation. The goal of this study was to quantify the proportion of the variance in endurance performance that is explained by psychological factors in addition to the physiological factor VO2max. Twenty-five athletes of the U17 Swiss Cycling national team (7f, 18 m, 15.3 ± 0.5 years) were examined in a cross-sectional study with psychological factors and VO2max as independent variables and endurance performance in road cycling as dependent variable. Questionnaires were used to assess psychological factors (i.e. use of mental techniques, self-compassion, mental toughness, achievement motivation, and action vs. state orientation). VO2max was measured by a step incremental cycle ergometer test of exhaustion. Endurance performance was measured in a cycling mountain time trial (1,320 m long, incline of 546 meters). A multiple regression model was created by using forward selection of regression model predictors. Results showed that higher VO2max values (β = .48), being male (β = .26), and higher achievement motivation (i.e. perseverance, β = .11) were associated with a better endurance performance. A more frequent use of one particular mental technique (i.e. relaxation techniques, β = .03) was associated with a worse endurance performance. Our study shows that a physiological factor like VO2max explains endurance performance to a large extent but psychological factors account for additional variance. In particular, one aspect of achievement motivation, namely perseverance, was associated with a better endurance performance. HIGHLIGHTS Endurance performance is explained by physiological (e.g. VO2max) and psychological (e.g. perseverance) factors VO2max explains young cyclists’ endurance performance to a large extent Perseverance explained performance beyond the influence of VO2max

Heat Training Efficiently Increases and Maintains Hemoglobin Mass and Temperate Endurance Performance in Elite Cyclists.

To test whether heat training performed as 5 × 50-min sessions per week for 5 wk in a heat chamber (CHAMBER) or while wearing a heat suit (SUIT), in temperate conditions, increases hemoglobin mass (Hb mass ) and endurance performance in elite cyclists, compared with a control group (CON-1). Furthermore, after the 5-wk intervention, we tested whether three sessions per week for 3 wk with heat suit (SUIT main ) would maintain Hb mass elevated compared with athletes who returned to normal training (HEAT stop ) or who continued to be the control group (CON-2). During the initial 5 wk, SUIT and CHAMBER increased Hb mass (2.6% and 2.4%) to a greater extent than CON-1 (-0.7%; both P < 0.01). The power output at 4 mmol·L -1 blood lactate and 1-min power output ( Wmax ) improved more in SUIT (3.6% and 7.3%, respectively) than CON-1 (-0.6%, P < 0.05; 0.2%, P < 0.01), whereas this was not the case for CHAMBER (1.4%, P = 0.24; 3.4%, P = 0.29). However, when SUIT and CHAMBER were pooled this revealed a greater improvement in a performance index (composed of power output at 4 mmol·L -1 blood lactate, Wmax , and 15-min power output) than CON-1 (4.9% ± 3.2% vs 1.7% ± 1.1%, respectively; P < 0.05). During the 3-wk maintenance period, SUIT main induced a larger increase in Hb mass than HEAT stop (3.3% vs 0.8%; P < 0.05), which was not different from the control (CON-2; 1.6%; P = 0.19), with no differences between HEAT stop and CON-2 ( P = 0.52). Both SUIT and CHAMBER can increase Hb mass , and pooling SUIT and CHAMBER demonstrates that heat training can increase performance. Furthermore, compared with cessation of heat training, a sustained increase in Hb mass was observed during a subsequent 3-wk maintenance period, although the number of weekly heat training sessions was reduced to 3.

Rectus femoris activation is modified by training status and correlates with endurance performance in cycling

Rectus femoris activation is modified by training status and correlates with endurance performance in cycling

Impact of ultrathin coating layer on lithium-ion intercalation into particles for lithium-ion batteries

Ultrathin film coatings on battery materials via atomic layer deposition (ALD) have been demonstrated as an efficient technology for battery performance enhancement. However, the fundamental understanding on lithium intercalation into active materials through the interface between the coating and active materials is unclear, which makes it difficult to optimize ALD coating strategies. Further, like most active materials, a coating layer can undergo volume change during the intercalation process, which can produce detrimental structural changes and mechanical failure of the layer. In this work, first-principles calculations are conducted to reveal the behavior of a coating layer on an active material particle by focusing on the intercalation energy variation, lithium-ion transport, electron chemical potential change, and structural changes of the coating layer. The analysis comprehensively explains an experimental observation that a CeO2 coating on LiMn2O4 particles exhibits better performance in capacity and cycling than an Al2O3 coating on the same particles. The fundamental knowledge imparted from this work provides an important understanding about the beneficial role of ALD coatings in lithium-ion battery performance and capacity retention.

Noncircular Chainrings Do Not Influence Physiological Responses During Submaximal Cycling.

To determine the separate contributions of pedal speed and chainring shape/eccentricity to the metabolic cost of producing power and evaluate joint-specific kinematics and kinetics during submaximal cycling across 3 chainring eccentricities (CON = 1.0; LOW = 1.13; HIGH = 1.24). Eight cyclists performed submaximal cycling at power outputs eliciting 30%, 60%, and 90% of their individual lactate threshold at pedaling rates of 80rpm under each chainring condition (CON80rpm; LOW80rpm; HIGH80rpm) and at pedaling rates for the CON chainring chosen to match pedal speeds of the noncircular chainrings (CON78rpm to LOW80rpm; CON75rpm to HIGH80rpm). Physiological measures, metabolic cost, and gross efficiency were determined by indirect calorimetry. Pedal and joint-specific powers were determined using pedal forces and limb kinematics. Physiological and metabolic measures were not influenced by eccentricity and pedal speed (all Ps > .05). Angular velocities produced during knee and hip extension were lower with the HIGH80rpm condition compared with the CON80rpm condition (all Ps < .05), while angular velocity produced during ankle plantar flexion remained unchanged. Despite the noncircular chainrings imposing their eccentricity on joint angular kinematics, they did not reduce metabolic cost or increase gross efficiency. Our results suggest that noncircular chainrings neither improve nor compromise submaximal cycling performance in trained cyclists.

The AGTR2 (RS11091046) Gene Polymorphism is Associated with Cycling Performance in Korean Cyclists

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the association between AGTR2 (rs11091046 A&gt;C) gene polymorphism and athletic performance.METHODS: The Korean national team cyclists enrolled in the study performed 30-second Wingate test (peak power, mean power, and power drop), one-repetition maximum (squat and bench press), and isokinetic dynamometer (60° extensor and flexor in both legs) to examine the power/sprint performance between the C and A alleles.RESULTS: The physical characteristics showed no significant difference between the C and A alleles. Comparison of physical fitness tests in cyclists revealed no significant difference between the two alleles in one-repetition maximum and isokinetic dynamometer. However, the C allele had a significantly higher peak power (10.46±0.82 vs. 9.92±0.57, p=.016) and mean power (8.30±0.48 vs. 7.95±0.47, p=.022) than A allele in the Wingate test.CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the AGTR2 gene C allele is associated with the power/sprint performance of the Korean national team cyclists.

Understanding and Performance of the Zinc Anode Cycling in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries and a Roadmap for the Future

AbstractBy virtue of environmental benignity, inherent safety, and affordable cost of raw materials, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have witnessed tremendous upheaval in research interest and are considered to have enormous potential for stationary and renewable storage applications. Yet, the high activity of Zn in aqueous electrolytes triggers metal corrosion and hydrogen evolution, which, together with dendrite formation on zinc surface during its electrodeposition, leads to poor Coulombic efficiency and rapid short‐circuit failure during cycling. Therefore, to divulge a critical and in‐depth understanding of these underlying issues, (electro)chemical behavior of the Zn metal in aqueous electrolytes and corresponding theories are first discussed in this review. This is followed by a thorough discussion of various strategies, categorized based on the intrinsic mechanism, for the suppression of dendrite and parasitic side reactions that are ultimately intertwined. Finally, strategic recommendations are provided as a roadmap to coordinate research and development efforts, and the energy density analyses of a representative AZIB cell is presented to highlight technical and functional needs for the practical development of the technology. This review is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Zn metal anode development for AZIBs and draw attention to pertinent criteria for performance assessment.

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.

Association of Heart Rate Variability and Simulated Cycling Time Trial Performance

The aim of this study was to determine if an abnormal HRV status would have negative effects on simulated individual time trial (ITT) performance in recreational cyclists. Recreational male (n=23, 42.8±8.3 years, 78.0±11.0 kg) and female (n=2, 37.0±6.8 years, 68.0±4.4 kg) cyclists completed simulated indoor 40-minute ITTs (40TT) over ten weeks. Participants were asked to complete simulated 40TTs under two HRV conditions: HRV normal values and HRV abnormal values. Participants recorded daily morning HRV readings to determine HRV status. Each participant performed all 40TTs on their personal indoor bike trainer and bike without external race simulation (e.g., Zwift). All cycling performance data were recorded on personal bike computers and submitted via a Qualtrics survey. A total of 138 ITTs (Normal = 75; Abnormal = 63) were assessed for relationships between HRV status and performance outcomes using a linear mixed-effects model with Cohen’s D for effect sizes (ES). A significant main effect of HRV status was found for peak power (F = 6.61; Normal: 372 ± 121.5 watts; Abnormal: 349 ± 105.9 watts; 380; p = 0.01; ES = 0.20) and peak speed (F = 6.12; Normal = 10.8 ± 1.2 m/s; Abnormal: 10.4 ± 1.2 m/s; p = 0.02; ES = 0.33). No significant main effect or effect sizes exceeding 0.20 were observed for all other performance variables. Daily HRV monitoring provides valuable insight that an individual’s peak power and speed may be compromised during cycling performance despite no changes in physiological or psychological indicators of effort. Coaches and cyclists can use morning HRV to inform race strategy ensuring desired performance outcomes, especially for those who rely on high power outputs

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.

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.

Effect of acute and chronic nitrate supplementation on the performance of endurance athletes: a systematic review

Evidence that dietary supplementation with nitrate-rich beet juice (NO3-) can improve endurance exercise performance. This paper aimed critically assess the effects of acute and chronic NO3- supplementation in the performance of trained healthy adult individuals and/or athletes. This systematic review analyzed 12 randomized, blinded, crossover clinical trials with control, which investigated the effect of acute and/or chronic supplementation of NO3- through juice or fresh beet on physical performance in endurance exercises. These studies involved 185 subjects. Four of the six acute studies in this review demonstrated improvements in sports performance in running and cycling. Among the eight chronic studies, only two showed no improvement in performance. Six studies with secondary supplementation yield favorable results. Of the six studies conducted with athletes, five demonstrated increases in VO2MAX. The current literature points to the positive effects of dietary supplementation of NO3- acute and chronic in trained and/or athletes. However, there are limitations regarding research on the results of NO3- supplementation in women and if there is an optimal time for observing effects on athletic performance.

Time limit at maximal aerobic power, heart rate kinetics and performance in time-trial cycling test of 3 km

The performance of cyclists in short terms workouts can be associate with several factors, including the maximal aerobic power (MAP), heart rate (HR) and its kinetics parameters, and the capacity to tolerate maximal efforts to exhaustion (TLimMAP). Thereby, the main of this study was analyze the presumable relation among TLimMAP and performance in a time-trial cycling test of 3 km. (TT3km). Seven cyclists were involved in this study, performing the following tests with a minimum interval of 48h: (1) initial familiarization and anthropometric evaluation, (2) maximal progressive test to exhaustion, (3) TLimMAP and (4) TT3km test. There was a tendency of subjects with higher values to TLimMAP performed the TT3km faster (r = -0,71; p = 0,07). It showed positive correlation among TLimMAP and the first time constant of the heart rate at the beginning of exercise (r = 0,95 e p &lt; 0,01), and negative to TLimMAP and the first time constant of the heart rate recovery (r = -0,67 e p = 0,04). The tendency to association among the TLimMAP and performance at the TT3km indicate that the TLimMAP could be utilized in the assessment of cyclists – although with caveats – since there was not significant correlation. Additional investigations to enlighten the relations among TLimMAP, HR kinetics and performance would characterize a proficuous field of research.

The Influence of the Inter-Relationship of Leg Position and Riding Posture on Cycling Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is an important factor affecting cyclist performance, as at the elite level 90% of rider energy is used to overcome aerodynamic drag. As such, much effort has been channeled into understanding the detailed flow around cyclists, since small gains can produce large rewards. Previous studies have shown that cycling aerodynamic drag is sensitive to leg position during the pedaling cycle; however, a systematic analysis comparing the impact of leg position between different riding postures is yet to be undertaken. To address this question, we compare the impact of leg position for two elite-level riding postures: the standard sprint and pursuit body positions. The comparison shows that the effect of leg position on drag is not consistent between the two riding postures, as the altered flow associated with different leg positions is influenced by the wakes from and proximity of other upstream or nearby components, such as the arms. This study reveals the inter-relationship between leg position and riding posture; and suggests that the flow associated with varied leg position should include surrounding geometrical components to obtain and understand the full aerodynamic impact. Practically, the results are valuable for optimizing the posture and improving skin-suit design for drag minimization.