Performance In Well-trained Cyclists Research Articles

Photobiomodulation does not improve anaerobic performance in well-trained cyclists.

To determine if photobiomodulation (PBM) has ergogenic effects on the anaerobic performance of well-trained cyclists. Fifteen healthy male road or mountain bike cyclists participated in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Athletes were randomly assigned to receive photobiomodulation (630nm, 4.6J/cm2, 6J per point, 16 points, PBM session) or placebo intervention (PLA session) in the first session. The athletes then performed a 30-s Wingate test to determine mean and peak average power, relative power, mean and peak velocity, mean and peak RPM, fatigue index, total distance, time to peak power, explosive strength, and power drop. After 48h, athletes returned to the laboratory for the crossover intervention. The repeated-measures ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni post hoc test or Friedman test with Dunn's post hoc test (p < 0.05), and Cohen's d statistic were used for comparisons. Performance in the Wingate test was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between PBM and PLA sessions for any variable. Only a small effect size was detected for time to peak power (-0.40; 1.11 to 0.31) and explosive strength (0.38; -0.34 to 1.09). We conclude that irradiation with red light, under a low energy density, does not promote ergogenic effects on the anaerobic performance of cycling athletes.

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

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

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.

Superior Physiological Adaptations After a Microcycle of Short Intervals Versus Long Intervals in Cyclists.

To compare the effects of a 1-week high-intensity aerobic-training shock microcycle composed of either 5 short-interval sessions (SI; n = 9, 5 series with 12 × 30-s work intervals interspersed with 15-s recovery and 3-min recovery between series) or 5 long-interval sessions (LI; n = 8, 6 series of 5-min work intervals with 2.5-min recovery between series) on indicators of endurance performance in well-trained cyclists. Before and following 6 days with standardized training loads after the 1-week high-intensity aerobic-training shock microcycle, both groups were tested in physiological determinants of endurance performance. From pretraining to posttraining, SI achieved a larger improvement than LI in maximal oxygen uptake (5.7%; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-10.3; P = .015) and power output at a blood lactate concentration of 4mmol·L-1 (3.8%; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-7.4; P = .038). There were no group differences in changes of fractional use of maximal oxygen uptake at a workload corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4mmol·L-1, gross efficiency, or the 1-minute peak power output from the maximal-oxygen-uptake test. The SI protocol may induce superior changes in indicators of endurance performance compared with the LI protocol, indicating that SI can be a good strategy during a 1-week high-intensity aerobic-training shock microcycle in well-trained cyclists.

Lower limb ischemic preconditioning combined with dietary nitrate supplementation does not influence time-trial performance in well-trained cyclists

ObjectivesDietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation and ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) can independently improve exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to explore whether NO3− supplementation, ingested prior to an IPC protocol, could synergistically enhance parameters of exercise. DesignDouble-blind randomized crossover trial. MethodsTen competitive male cyclists (age 34±6years, body mass 78.9±4.9kg, V⋅O2peak 55±4 mLkgmin−1) completed an incremental exercise test followed by three cycling trials comprising a square-wave submaximal component and a 16.1km time-trial. Oxygen uptake (V⋅O2) and muscle oxygenation kinetics were measured throughout. The baseline (BASE) trial was conducted without any dietary intervention or IPC. In the remaining two trials, participants received 3×5min bouts of lower limb bilateral IPC prior to exercise. Participants ingested NO3−-rich gel (NIT+IPC) 90min prior to testing in one trial and a low NO3− placebo in the other (PLA+IPC). Plasma NO3− and nitrite (NO2−) were measured immediately before and after application of IPC. ResultsPlasma [NO3−] and [NO2−] were higher before and after IPC in NIT+IPC compared to BASE (P<0.001) but did not differ between BASE and PLA+IPC. There were no differences in V⋅O2 kinetics or muscle oxygenation parameters between trials (all P>0.4). Performance in the time-trial was similar between trials (BASE 1343±72s, PLA+IPC 1350±75s, NIT+IPC 1346±83s, P=0.98). ConclusionsPre-exercise IPC did not improve sub-maximal exercise or performance measures, either alone or in combination with dietary NO3− supplementation.

Deception Improves Time Trial Performance in Well-trained Cyclists without Augmented Fatigue.

To investigate the effects of feedback, in the form of a virtual avatar paced at 100% and 102% of baseline performance, on neuromuscular fatigue after a 4-km cycling time trial (TT). We hypothesized that improved cycling performance would occur because of the participants exceeding a previously established critical threshold and experiencing greater neuromuscular fatigue. After familiarization, 10 well-trained cyclists performed a baseline 4-km TT without feedback (BASE), followed by two 4-km TT where they raced against an avatar (set at 100% accurate [ACC] and 102% deception [DEC] of baseline power output) in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Before and after each TT, neuromuscular fatigue was assessed using maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MVC) of the quadriceps, and supramaximal electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve, during and 2 s after MVCs to assess voluntary activation and potentiated twitch force. Blood lactate was taken pretrials and posttrials and RPE was taken throughout each TT. Time trial performance improved after deception of feedback compared with baseline performance (-5.8 s, P = 0.019). Blood lactate increased after DEC compared with BASE (+1.37 mmol·L, P = 0.019). Despite this, there was no difference in any measures of exercise-induced neuromuscular fatigue (P > 0.05). Similarly, RPE was not different between trials. Well-trained male cyclists can improve cycling TT performance when competing against an avatar increased to 102% of a previously established best effort. However, this improvement is not associated with a measurable augmentation of neuromuscular fatigue.

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation and Hypoxia on Time Trial Performance in Well-Trained Cyclists

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation and Hypoxia on Time Trial Performance in Well-Trained Cyclists

The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Subsequent Sprint Performance in Well-Trained Cyclists.

To investigate the effect of adding WBV to warm-up procedures on subsequent cycle sprint performance. Eleven well-trained cyclists participated in the study. All cyclists performed a familiarization session before 2 separate test sessions in randomized order. Each session included a standardized warm-up followed by 1 of the following preconditioning exercises: 30 s of half-squats without WBV or 30 s of half-squats with WBV at 40 Hz. A 15-s Wingate sprint was performed 1 min after the preconditioning exercise. Performing preconditioning exercise with WBV at 40 Hz resulted in superior peak power output compared with preconditioning exercise without WBV (1413 ± 257 W vs 1353 ± 213 W, P = .04) and a tendency toward superior mean power output during a 15-second all-out sprint (850 ± 119 W vs 828 ± 101 W, P = .08). Effect sizes showed a moderate practical effect of WBV vs no WBV on both peak and mean power output. Preconditioning exercise performed with WBV at 40 Hz seems to have a positive effect on cycling sprint performance in young well-trained cyclists. This suggests that athletes can incorporate body-loaded squats with WBV in preparations to specific sprint training to improve the quality of the sprint training and also to improve sprint performance in relevant competitions.

The Effect of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Physiology and Performance in Trained Cyclists

To determine the effect of dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation on physiology and performance in well-trained cyclists after 6-8 d of NO3- supplementation. Eight competitive male cyclists (mean ± SD age 26 ± 8 y, body mass 76.7 ± 6.9 kg, VO2peak 63 ± 4 mL · kg-1 · min-1) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study in which participants ingested 70 mL of beetroot juice containing ~4 mmol NO3- (NIT) or a NO3--depleted placebo (PLA), each for 8 d. Replicating pretreatment measures, participants undertook an incremental ramp assessment to determine VO2peak and first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory thresholds on d 6 (NIT6 and PLA6), moderate-intensity cycling economy on d 7 (NIT7 and PLA7), and a 4-km time trial (TT) on d 8 (NIT8 and PLA8). Relative to PLA, 6 d of NIT supplementation produced unclear effects for VO2peak (mean ± 95% confidence limit: 1.8% ± 5.5%) and VT1 (3.7% ± 12.3%) and trivial effects for both VT2 (-1.0% ± 3.0%) and exercise economy on d 7 (-1.0% ± 1.6%). However, effects for TT performance time (-0.7% ± 0.9%) and power (2.4% ± 2.5%) on d 8 were likely beneficial. Despite mostly unclear outcomes for standard physiological determinants of performance, 8 d of NO3- supplementation resulted in likely beneficial improvements to 4-km TT performance in well-trained male endurance cyclists.

Evidence of disturbed sleep and mood state in well-trained athletes during short-term intensified training with and without a high carbohydrate nutritional intervention

ABSTRACTFew studies have investigated the effects of exercise training on sleep physiology in well-trained athletes. We investigated changes in sleep markers, mood state and exercise performance in well-trained cyclists undergoing short-term intensified training and carbohydrate nutritional intervention. Thirteen highly-trained male cyclists (age: 25 ± 6y, O2max: 72 ± 5 ml/kg/min) participated in two 9-day periods of intensified training while undergoing a high (HCHO) or moderate (CON) carbohydrate nutritional intervention before, during and after training sessions. Sleep was measured each night via wristwatch actigraphy. Mood state questionnaires were completed daily. Performance was assessed with maximal oxygen uptake (. Percentage sleep time fell during intensified training (87.9 ± 1.5 to 82.5 ± 2.3%; p < 0.05) despite an increase in time in bed (456 ± 50 to 509 ± 48 min; p = 0.02). Sleep efficiency decreased during intensified training (83.1 ± 5.3 to 77.8 ± 8.6%; p < 0.05). Actual sleep time was significantly higher in CON than HCHO throughout intensified training. Mood disturbance increased during intensified training and was higher in CON than HCHO (p < 0.05). Performance in the exercise protocol fell significantly with intensified training. The main findings of this study were that 9-days of intensified training in highly-trained cyclists resulted in significant and progressive declines in sleep quality, mood state and maximal exercise performance.

A Sucrose Mouth Rinse Does Not Improve 1-hr Cycle Time Trial Performance When Performed in the Fasted or Fed State.

Carbohydrate mouth rinsing during exercise has been suggested to enhance performance of short (45-60 min) bouts of high-intensity (>75% VO2peak) exercise. Recent studies indicate that this performance enhancing effect may be dependent on the prandial state of the athlete. The purpose of this study was to define the impact of a carbohydrate mouth rinse on ~1-hr time trial performance in both the fasted and fed states. Using a double-blind, crossover design, 14 trained male cyclists (27 ± 6 years; 5.0 ± 0.5 W · kg(-1)) were selected to perform 4 time trials of ~1 hr (1,032 ± 127 kJ) on a cycle ergometer while rinsing their mouths with a 6.4% sucrose solution (SUC) or a noncaloric sweetened placebo (PLA) for 5 s at the start and at every 12.5% of their set amount of work completed. Two trials were performed in an overnight fasted state and two trials were performed 2 h after consuming a standardized breakfast. Performance time did not differ between any of the trials (fasted-PLA: 68.6 ± 7.2; fasted-SUC: 69.6 ± 7.5; fed-PLA: 67.6 ± 6.6; and fed-SUC: 69.0 ± 6.3 min; Prandial State × Mouth Rinse Solution p = .839; main effect prandial state p = .095; main effect mouth rinse solution p = .277). In line, mean power output and heart rate during exercise did not differ between trials. In conclusion, a sucrose mouth rinse does not improve ~1-hr time trial performance in well-trained cyclists when performed in either the fasted or the fed state.

Effect Of Adding Whole Body Vibration To Preconditioning Exercise On Sprint Performance In Well-trained Cyclists

PURPOSE: In cross-country mountain biking the start is important due to the importance of a good position when entering the single track where it is difficult to pass other cyclists. Training methods to acutely enhance sprint performance in the start of a cross-country race may be of great value for the performance. Postactivation potentiation (PAP) exercises with added whole-body vibration (WBV) have been suggested to be a potential way to acutely improve sprint performance. We have recently shown that adding WBV with a vibration frequency of 50 Hz to body-loaded half-squats improves subsequent 40 m sprint performance in soccer players (3). However, not all studies do find a significant effect of adding WBV (1, 2). The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of adding WBV to body-loaded half-squats, performed as preconditioning activity, on a 15-sec all-out cycle sprint in cyclists. METHODS: Eleven well-trained cyclists participated in the study (age: 18±1 years, body mass: 68.5 ± 9.5 kg, body height: 180 ± 6 cm, VO2max: 76 ± 5 ml·kg-1·min-1). All cyclists performed a familiarization session consisting of two 15 s sprints without WBV and two 15 s sprints with WBV prior to the sprints. Thereafter where two separate test sessions performed, wherein each session included a standardized warm-up followed by one of the following preconditioning exercises; 30 s of half-squats without WBV, or 30 s of half-squats with WBV at 50 Hz and a amplitude og 3 mm. A 15 s Wingate sprint was performed one minute after the preconditioning exercise (Lode Excalibur Sport, Lode B. V., Groningen, The Netherlands), with registration of peak and mean power. The test sessions were performed in a randomized order. RESULTS: Performing preconditioning exercise with WBV at 50 Hz resulted in superior peak power output compared to preconditioning exercise without WBV (1413±257 W vs. 1353±213 W, p<0.05). a tendency towards superior mean power output during a 15 s all-out sprint (850±119 W vs. 828±101 W, p<0.10). CONCLUSIONS: The overall finding was that preconditioning exercise performed with WBV at 50 Hz seems to have a positive effect on cycling sprint performance in young well trained cyclists. REFERENCES 1. Bullock et al., JSCR, 2008; 22:1371-74 2. Guggenheimer et al., JSCR, 2009; 23:1135-39 3. Rønnestad & Ellefsen, JSCR, 2011;25:3306-10

HIT maintains performance during the transition period and improves next season performance in well-trained cyclists.

To investigate the effects of combining low-intensity endurance training (LIT) with one high-intensity endurance training (HIT) session every 7-10 days (EXP, n = 7) vs. traditional approach focusing on LIT (TRAD, n = 6) during the transition period. The effects of different training strategies during the transition period were investigated after the transition period and at the beginning of the subsequent competition season. Well-trained cyclists were tested after the competition season, after an 8-week transition period, and after a 16-week preparatory period, before the subsequent competition season. The only difference between groups was a larger time with HIT during the transition phase in EXP. It was very likely that EXP had a larger impact on power output at 4 mmol L(-1) [la(-)] after both the transition period and after the preparatory period than TRAD [between-group change (90% CI): 10.6% (8.2%) and 12.9% (11.9%), respectively]. It was very likely that EXP had a larger impact on mean power output in the 40-min all-out trial after the transition period than TRAD [between-group change 12.4% (7.6%)]. EXP was also likely to have a larger improvement in the 40-min trial performance from pre-test to after the preparatory period than TRAD [between-group change 6.0% (6.6%)]. The present findings suggest that HIT sessions should be incorporated during the transition phase to avoid reduction in fitness and performance level and thereby increase the likelihood of improved performance from the end of one season to the beginning of the subsequent season.

The Effect of a Caffeinated Mouth-Rinse on Endurance Cycling Time-Trial Performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate if acute caffeine exposure via mouth-rinse improved endurance cycling time-trial performance in well-trained cyclists. It was hypothesized that caffeine exposure at the mouth would enhance endurance cycling time-trial performance. Ten well-trained male cyclists (mean ± SD: 32.9 ± 7.5 years, 74.7 ± 5.3 kg, 176.8 ± 5.1cm, VO₂peak = 59.8 ± 3.5 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) completed two experimental time-trials following 24 hr of dietary and exercise standardization. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design was employed whereby cyclists completed a time-trial in the fastest time possible, which was equivalent work to cycling at 75% of peak aerobic power output for 60 min. Cyclists were administered 25 ml mouth-rinses for 10 s containing either placebo or 35 mg of anhydrous caffeine eight times throughout the time-trial. Perceptual and physiological variables were recorded throughout. No significant improvement in time-trial performance was observed with caffeine (3918 ± 243 s) compared with placebo mouth-rinse (3940 ± 227 s). No elevation in plasma caffeine was detected due to the mouth-rinse conditions. Caffeine mouth-rinse had no significant effect on rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, rate of oxygen consumption or blood lactate concentration. Eight exposures of a 35 mg dose of caffeine at the buccal cavity for 10s does not significantly enhance endurance cycling time-trial performance, nor does it elevate plasma caffeine concentration.

No Improvement in Endurance Performance after a Single Dose of Beetroot Juice

Dietary nitrate supplementation has received much attention in the literature due to its proposed ergogenic properties. Recently, the ingestion of a single bolus of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (500 ml, ~6.2 mmol NO3-) was reported to improve subsequent time-trial performance. However, this large volume of ingested beetroot juice does not represent a realistic dietary strategy for athletes to follow in a practical, performance-based setting. Therefore, we investigated the impact of ingesting a single bolus of concentrated nitrate-rich beetroot juice (140 ml, ~8.7 mmol NO3-) on subsequent 1-hr time-trial performance in well-trained cyclists. Using a double-blind, repeated-measures crossover design (1-wk washout period), 20 trained male cyclists (26 ± 1 yr, VO(2peak) 60 ± 1 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1), Wmax 398 ± 7.7 W) ingested 140 ml of concentrated beetroot juice (8.7 mmol NO3-; BEET) or a placebo (nitrate-depleted beetroot juice; PLAC) with breakfast 2.5 hr before an ~1-hr cycling time trial (1,073 ± 21 kJ). Resting blood samples were collected every 30 min after BEET or PLAC ingestion and immediately after the time trial. Plasma nitrite concentration was higher in BEET than PLAC before the onset of the time trial (532 ± 32 vs. 271 ± 13 nM, respectively; p < .001), but subsequent time-trial performance (65.5 ± 1.1 vs. 65 ± 1.1 s), power output (275 ± 7 vs. 278 ± 7 W), and heart rate (170 ± 2 vs. 170 ± 2 beats/min) did not differ between BEET and PLAC treatments (all p > .05). Ingestion of a single bolus of concentrated (140 ml) beetroot juice (8.7 mmol NO3-) does not improve subsequent 1-hr time-trial performance in well-trained cyclists.

Recovery from Cycling Exercise: Effects of Carbohydrate and Protein Beverages

The effects of different carbohydrate-protein (CHO + Pro) beverages were compared during recovery from cycling exercise. Twelve male cyclists (VO2peak: 65 ± 7 mL/kg/min) completed ~1 h of high-intensity intervals (EX1). Immediately and 120 min following EX1, subjects consumed one of three calorically-similar beverages (285–300 kcal) in a cross-over design: carbohydrate-only (CHO; 75 g per beverage), high-carbohydrate/low-protein (HCLP; 45 g CHO, 25 g Pro, 0.5 g fat), or low-carbohydrate/high-protein (LCHP; 8 g CHO, 55 g Pro, 4 g fat). After 4 h of recovery, subjects performed subsequent exercise (EX2; 20 min at 70% VO2peak + 20 km time-trial). Beverages were also consumed following EX2. Blood glucose levels (30 min after beverage ingestion) differed across all treatments (CHO > HCLP > LCHP; p < 0.05), and serum insulin was higher following CHO and HCLP ingestion versus LCHP. Peak quadriceps force, serum creatine kinase, muscle soreness, and fatigue/energy ratings measured pre- and post-exercise were not different between treatments. EX2 performance was not significantly different between CHO (48.5 ± 1.5 min), HCLP (48.8 ± 2.1 min) and LCHP (50.3 ± 2.7 min). Beverages containing similar caloric content but different proportions of carbohydrate/protein provided similar effects on muscle recovery and subsequent exercise performance in well-trained cyclists.

Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on 50 mile time trial performance in well-trained cyclists

Dietary nitrate supplementation has been reported to improve short distance time trial (TT) performance by 1-3% in club-level cyclists. It is not known if these ergogenic effects persist in longer endurance events or if dietary nitrate supplementation can enhance performance to the same extent in better trained individuals. Eight well-trained male cyclists performed two laboratory-based 50mile TTs: (1) 2.5h after consuming 0.5L of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR) and (2) 2.5h after consuming 0.5L of nitrate-depleted BR as a placebo (PL). BR significantly elevated plasma [NO(2) (-)] (BR: 472±96 vs. PL: 379±94nM; P<0.05) and reduced completion time for the 50mile TT by 0.8% (BR: 136.7±5.6 vs. PL: 137.9±6.4min), which was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was a significant correlation between the increased post-beverage plasma [NO(2) (-)] with BR and the reduction in TT completion time (r=-0.83, P=0.01). Power output (PO) was not different between the conditions at any point (P>0.05) but oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O(2)) tended to be lower in BR (P=0.06), resulting in a significantly greater PO/[Formula: see text]O(2) ratio (BR: 67.4±5.5 vs. PL: 65.3±4.8WLmin(-1); P<0.05). In conclusion, acute dietary supplementation with beetroot juice did not significantly improve 50mile TT performance in well-trained cyclists. It is possible that the better training status of the cyclists in this study might reduce the physiological and performance response to NO(3) (-) supplementation compared with the moderately trained cyclists tested in earlier studies.

LSCT, a novel submaximal cycle test to monitor fatigue and predict cycling performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and predictive value of performance parameters measured by a new novel submaximal cycle protocol (also known as the Lamberts and Lambert submaximal cycle test (LSCT)), on peak power and endurance cycling performance in well-trained cyclists. Seventeen well-trained competitive male road racing cyclists completed three peak power output tests (PPO) and three 40-km time trials (40-km TT) after familiarisation. Before each test all cyclists performed the LSCT as their warm-up method. Parameters associated with performance such as power, speed, cadence and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the three stages of the test when cyclists rode at workloads coinciding with fixed predetermined heart rates (60%, 80% and 90% of HRmax). Heart rate recovery (HRR) was measured after the final stage of the test. Parameters measured during the second and third stage of the LSCT were highly reliable (intraclass correlation range: R=0.85-1.00) and associated with low typical error of measurements (TEM range: 1.3%-4.4%). Good relationships were found between the LSCT and cycling performance measured by the PPO and 40-km TT tests. Mean power had stronger relationships with measures of cycling performance during the second (r=0.80-0.89) and third stage (r=0.91-0.94) of the LSCT than HRR (r=0.55-0.68). The LSCT is a reliable novel test which is able to predict peak and endurance cycling performance from submaximal power, RPE and HRR in well-trained cyclists. As these parameters are able to detect meaningful changes more accurately than VO2max, the LSCT has the potential to monitor cycling performance with more precision than other current existing submaximal cycle protocols.

Effect of heavy strength training on thigh muscle cross-sectional area, performance determinants, and performance in well-trained cyclists

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heavy strength training on thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), determinants of cycling performance, and cycling performance in well-trained cyclists. Twenty well-trained cyclists were assigned to either usual endurance training combined with heavy strength training [E + S; n = 11 (male symbol = 11)] or to usual endurance training only [E; n = 9 (male symbol = 7, female symbol = 2)]. The strength training performed by E + S consisted of four lower body exercises [3 x 4-10 repetition maximum (RM)], which were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Thigh muscle CSA, maximal force in isometric half squat, power output in 30 s Wingate test, maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)), power output at 2 mmol l(-1) blood lactate concentration ([la(-)]), and performance, as mean power production, in a 40-min all-out trial were measured before and after the intervention. E + S increased thigh muscle CSA, maximal isometric force, and peak power in the Wingate test more than E. Power output at 2 mmol l(-1) [la(-)] and mean power output in the 40-min all-out trial were improved in E + S (P < 0.05). For E, only performance in the 40-min all-out trial tended to improve (P = 0.057). The two groups showed similar increases in VO(2max) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, adding strength training to usual endurance training improved determinants of cycling performance as well as performance in well-trained cyclists. Of particular note is that the added strength training increased thigh muscle CSA without causing an increase in body mass.

Placebo Effects of Caffeine on Cycling Performance

The placebo effect-a change attributable only to an individual's belief in the efficacy of a treatment-might provide a worthwhile improvement in physical performance. Although sports scientists account for placebo effects by blinding subjects to treatments, little research has sought to quantify and explain the effect itself. The present study explored the placebo effect in laboratory cycling performance using quantitative and qualitative methods. Six well-trained male cyclists undertook two baseline and three experimental 10-km time trials. Subjects were informed that in the experimental trials they would each receive a placebo, 4.5 mg.kg caffeine, and 9.0 mg.kg caffeine, randomly assigned. However, placebos were administered in all experimental conditions. Semistructured interviews were also conducted to explore subjects' experience of the effects of the capsules before and after revealing the deception. A likely trivial increase in mean power of 1.0% over baseline was associated with experimental trials (95% confidence limits, -1.4 to 3.6%), rising to a likely beneficial 2.2% increase in power associated with experimental trials in which subjects believed they had ingested caffeine (-0.8 to 5.4%). A dose-response relationship was evident in experimental trials, with subjects producing 1.4% less power than at baseline when they believed they had ingested a placebo (-4.6 to 1.9%), 1.3% more power than at baseline when they believed they had ingested 4.5 mg.kg caffeine (-1.4 to 4.1%), and 3.1% more power than at baseline when they believed they had ingested 9.0 mg.kg caffeine (-0.4 to 6.7%). All subjects reported caffeine-related symptoms. Quantitative and qualitative data suggest that placebo effects are associated with the administration of caffeine and that these effects may directly or indirectly enhance performance in well-trained cyclists.