World Tour Research Articles

Continuous measurement of interstitial glycaemia in professional female UCI world tour cyclists undertaking a 9-day cycle training camp.

Nine cyclists (age: 26±5years, height: 168±5cm and mass 58.5±4.5kg) were observed using continuous glucose monitoring devices throughout a training camp. Interstitial glucose [iG] data were captured via the Abbott libre sense biosensor (Abbott Laboratories) and paired with the Supersapiens software (TT1 Products Inc.). [iG] data were split into time ranges, that is, overall (24-hourly), day-time (06:00-23:59), night-time (00:00-05:59) and exercise. [iG] data were stratified into percentage of time, below range ([TBR]<70mg/dl), in range ([TIR] 70-140mg/dl) and above range ([TAR]≥141mg/dl). Differences in diurnal and nocturnal data were analysed via repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests where appropriate. p-value of ≤0.05 was accepted as significant. Riders spent an average of 3±1% TAR, 93±2% TIR and 8±3% TBR. Mean 24h [iG] was 93±2mg/dl with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 18±1%. Mean (day: 95±3 vs. night: 86±3mg/dl and p<0.001) and CV (day: 18±1 vs. night: 9±1% and p<0.001) in [iG] were higher during the day-time hours. TAR was greater during the day (day: 3±1 vs. night: 0±0% and p<0.001) but TBR and TIR were similar. Glucose levels below the clinical range may have implications for those without diabetes and warrants further investigation.

Pengaruh Fasilitas dan Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Kepuasan Pengunjung di Konser Musik Blackpink “Born Pink World Tour Jakarta 2023”

The Blackpink "Born Pink World Tour Jakarta 2023" concert, organized by iMe Indonesia as the promoter, faced a flood of criticism from attendees regarding issues such as double tickets, discrepancies in the number of seating facilities, and complaints about staff service that was perceived as unfriendly and slow in resolving problems. This study aims to test the hypothesis regarding the relationship between facilities and service quality at the concert and the level of attendee satisfaction. The research method used is quantitative with a survey design. The survey technique was employed to collect primary data by providing respondents with indicator statements through an online questionnaire. The research sample consisted of one hundred respondents who were Blackpink fans attending the concert. The data obtained were processed using IBM SPSS version 26. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression. The results of the study indicate that the independent variables of Facilities (X1) and Service Quality (X2) simultaneously affect the dependent variable of Attendee Satisfaction (Y). The practical implication of this study is the importance for promoters to pay attention to the quality of facilities and services to enhance visitor satisfaction at music concerts.

Effect of high-dose β-Alanine supplementation on uphill cycling performance in World Tour cyclists: A randomised controlled trial.

Scientists and coaches seek effective ergogenic aids for performance improvement. Cyclists commonly use β-Alanine, which may enhance post-exercise recovery and physical performance. High-dose β-Alanine supplementation's impact on World Tour cyclists during a 7-day camp remains unstudied. This study aimed to analyse the effect of a high dose of β-alanine in World Tour cyclist during a 7-day camp. A double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. 11 cyclists were included in the final analysis: β-alanine supplementation (n = 5; VO2max: 67.6±1.6 ml/kg/min) and a placebo group (n = 6; VO2max: 68.0±2.4 ml/kg/min). The duration of the supplementation protocol was seven days with four daily intakes. The subjects commenced supplementation after the physical tests (immediately following the snack) and consumed the final intake after breakfast on the day of the final test (a total of 7 days and 3 additional doses, 31 servings in total; 5g per dosage; 155g the total cumulative amount). Before and after seven days of supplementation, the cyclists performed an uphill time trial. Blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were measured during test. β-alanine supplementation improved the relative mean power attained during the time-trial compared with the control group (Z = -2.008; p = 0.045; Δ = 0.060), as well as the time needed to complete this trial (Z = -2.373; p = 0.018). As for physiological and metabolic variables, no significant change was found. In conclusion, the present study supports the effectiveness of one-week high dose of β-alanine during a cycling training in World Tour cyclists to improve their uphill time-trial performance. In addition, it is important to highlight the potential role of β-alanine in improving recovery power. This aspect is particularly relevant in the context of a training camp, where fatigue levels can increase alongside training intensity. Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov: (identifier: NCT04427319).

Health status and heat preparation at a UCI World Tour multistage cycling race

ObjectivesTo assess health status and heat preparation of cyclists at the 2019 Tour Down Under and determine the alignment of heat mitigation strategies with current recommendations. DesignCohort study. MethodsTwenty-three (17 % participation rate) male World Tour cyclists from five teams and 10 countries completed a pre-competition questionnaire evaluating exertional heat illness (EHI) history, pre-race health status, and heat mitigation and recovery strategies use. Associations between arrival days pre-competition, years as professional, nationality, team, history of EHI symptoms and diagnosis on heat mitigation and recovery strategy utilisation were assessed. Results65 % of cyclists reported previously experiencing one or more EHI symptom (cramping: 48 %) and 22 % a diagnosis of heat stroke. In the 10 days preceding the race, 26 % experienced one or more illness symptoms. 65 % trained in the heat (acclimatisation 8–25 days; acclimation: 3–7 days), which was associated with team (P = 0.047, ϕc = 0.61), nationality (P = 0.009, ϕc = 0.86) and EHI symptoms history (P = 0.058, ϕ = 0.43). All cyclists had a hydration plan, with links to team (0.5–1.0 L·h−1, P = 0.043, ϕc = 0.68) and EHI symptom history (1.0–1.5 L·h−1, P = 0.048, ϕ = 0.476). Most had pre-cooling (87 %) and mid-cooling (83 %) strategies, most commonly cold beverages (75 %) and neck collars (78 %), respectively. All cyclists planned on using at least one recovery strategy (massage: 87 %). ConclusionsOur data indicate good alignment with current recommendations for competing in the heat, particularly for hydration, cooling and recovery strategies. Whilst the proportion of cyclists engaging in heat acclimation/acclimatisation is encouraging, greater awareness on adapting and implementing heat training is required.

The Influence of High-Intensity Work on the Record Power Profile of Under-23, ProTeam, and World Tour Cyclists.

Durability (ie,the ability to attenuate the decline in performance after accumulated work) has been identified as a performance determinant in elite cyclists. The aim of the present study was to compare durability in elite cyclists of various performance levels, particularly after high-intensity work, referred to as "high-intensity durability." Forty-nine (N = 49) male road cyclists were categorized as either under 23 years of age (U23) (N = 11), Pro Team (N = 13), or World Tour (N = 24). The participants' critical power (CP) was assessed during the preseason. Thereafter, the participants' maximum mean power (MMP) values were determined for efforts of different durations (from 5s to 30min) after different levels of accumulated work above CP (from 0 to 7.5kJ·kg-1). U23 cyclists showed a significant reduction of all relative MMP values for durations ≥1minute after ≥5kJ·kg-1 above CP compared with the "fresh" state (0kJ·kg-1), whereas in Pro Team and World Tour cyclists, a significant reduction was not observed until 7.5kJ·kg-1 above CP. In the "fresh" state, both Pro Team and particularly World Tour cyclists attained higher MMP values for efforts ≥10minutes than U23 riders. However, more differences emerged with greater previous work levels, and indeed after 7.5kJ·kg-1 above CP World Tour cyclists attained higher MMP values than both U23 and Pro Team cyclists for most efforts (≥30s). Pro Team and particularly World Tour cyclists tolerate greater levels of accumulated work at high intensity, which might support the importance of high-intensity durability for performance.

Association of iron supplementation, HFE and AMPD1 polymorphisms and biochemical iron metabolism parameters in the performance of a men’s World Tour cycling team: A pilot study

BackgroundNutritional strategies with iron supplementation have been shown to be effective in preventing the decline of blood biochemical parameters and sports performance. The aim of the study was to describe biochemical iron metabolism parameters in association with iron supplementation and HFE and AMPD1 polymorphisms in a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Tour cycling team to evaluate performance during a whole season MethodsTwenty-eight professional men cyclists took part in this longitudinal observational pilot study. AMPD1 c.34 C>T (rs17602729) and HFE c.187 C>G (rs1799945) polymorphisms were genotyped using Single Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNPE). All the professional cyclists took oral iron supplementation throughout the season. Four complete blood analyses were carried out corresponding to UCI controls in January (1st), April (2nd), June (3rd) and October (4th). Data on participation in three-week Grand Tours, kms of competition and wins were analyzed. Results: In performance, especially in wins, there was a significant effect in HFE on biochemical hemoglobin (F = 4.255; p = 0.021) and biochemical hematocrit (F = 5.335; p = 0.009) and a hematocrit biochemical × genotype interaction (F = 3.418; p = 0.041), with higher values in professional cyclist with GC genotype. In AMPD1 there were significant effects in the biochemical iron x genotype interaction in three-week Grand Tours (F = 3.874; p = 0.029) and wins (F = 3.930; p = 0.028) ConclusionsBlood biochemical iron metabolism parameters could be related to performance in the season due to increasing hemoglobin and hematocrit concentration under iron supplementation, associated with winning in the professional cyclists with GC genotype of the HFE polymorphism.

Development of world class ski performance: Similarities and differences in pathways to expertise for freeskiers and cross-country skiers

The overall purpose of the present study was to investigate similarities and differences in pathways to expertise for freeskiers and cross-country skiers. Specifically, 1) Entrance to the main sport, 2) Amount of training hours and organization of training, and 3) Variability in activities and content in training. Sampling athletes had to be on the highest level in their sport by competing in, e.g., the World Cup, World Championship, Olympic games, freeride World Tour. In total, 18 world-class skiers participated in the study. Eight freeskiers (age range 19-37) and ten cross-country skiers (age range 22-32 years). They answered a digital questionnaire designed to collect retrospective data describing their pathways to expertise. The first section elicits biographical information, age for entering sport and practice. The second section focused on sport-specific training, accumulated hours of training, and the distribution of organized versus self-organized training. The third section recalled the variability of activities they participated in and how they perceived the relevance of the content of different types of training for their sport-specific development. The results showed similarities in athletes’ entrance to the main sport, specialization age and total amount of training. At the same time, differences were observed in their training history regarding the organization of training. In contrast to cross-country skiers, freeskiers seem to be more self-organized and more involved in additional activities besides their main sport. Interestingly, the two groups of world-class athletes representing sports with distinctive demands share several common variables in their paths to expertise, amplified by perceived specificity. Practitioners and academics should substantiate patience in expertise development, driven by a multi-disciplinary understanding of distinct and individual characteristics or conditions that may be beneficial in fulfilling varied future demands. Hence, research should explore the rationale behind and potential learning effects between sports and training content.

Social psychology world tour: How I got here

Social psychology world tour: How I got here

Value Co-creation in Sports Live Streaming Platforms: A Microfoundations Perspective

As a primarily synchronous social media form, social live streaming services offer real-time interaction between streamers and viewers, and among viewers. Users' value cocreation has become increasingly crucial for platform businesses to increase their competitive advantage. However, the previous studies using the microfoundations approach have only confirmed the employees' efforts to adopt technology as a way to achieve the firms' goals. In this article, we explore the microfoundations of external actors' (viewers and streamers) value cocreation on sports live streaming platforms (SLSPs). Taking China Sport as a case study, this article conducts netnography research with observations made of four live-streamed matches on the final matchday of the International Table Tennis Federation World Tour Grand Final 2019. In total, 16 204 real-time messages and 5540 gifting messages are reviewed. In-depth interviews are also conducted with 5 streamers and 15 viewers. As a result, a typology of viewers (managers, fans, and audiences) emerges, and five viewer–streamer–viewer value cocreation activities are revealed. Furthermore, the unique value-in-use among streamers and viewers in different activities is found. This study presents a model to show that the viewers' engagement and the value cocreation activities between viewers and streamers at a microlevel determines the value-in-use formation, which, in turn, contributes to the competitive advantages for SLSPs at a macrolevel. This study contributes to the existing literature on the engagement behavior and value cocreation by empirically examining the role of external actors' engagement as the microfoundations of value cocreation in the context of new social technologies—SLSPs.

Training load as the conditioning of vertebral column dysfunction in road cyclists

Background. Spinal dysfunctions pose significant problems for road cyclists as they affect their efficiency and the quality of life. Despite this,fact only few studies are focused on the effect of training on the aforementioned dysfunctions. This gap in literature is even bigger as far as competitive/professional road cycling is concerned, despite the significant load the competitors are exposed to. This study is focused on understanding how different components of training load affect dysfunction of the vertebral column in road cyclists, both competitive and amateur ones. Additionally, the thesis how the program of adequate bioregeneration can contribute to reduction of spinal dysfunction risk is analyzed. Material and methods. The samle included 60 cyclists. The participants were divided into two groups: 30 competitive road cyclists UCI World Tour (first division) and 30 amateur road cyclists. The aim of the study was to understand the effect of different components of training load on the on the origin of spinal dysfunction in road cyclists . A questionnaire including the questions concerning personal data, the length of the road cyclist’s training period, training load, complementary training as the frequency and location of back pain, and also the questions, as the questions focused on information on the sustained injuries and contusions as well as as the access and the quality of the physiotherapeutic procedure. Results. The study using statistical tools revealed that many aspects of training affect vertebral column dysfunction in road cyclists, both competitive and amateur ones. The results also suggest that both professional and amateur cyclists should pay more attention to prevention and treatment of back pain. These procedures may involve regular workouts strengthening and stabilizing the vertebral column, control of training load as well as regular assessment by a physiotherapist. However, it was impossible to develop a concrete mathematical pattern for prognosing the aforementioned dysfunctions. Conclusion. The study provides new information on the training record in cyclists on the prevalence of back pain in road cyclists. The study found significant differences between the analyzed variables, however, in no case, the designated linear regression function allowed description of these relationships. This may indicate that the relationships are more complicated than it is suggested based on a simple linear model or that there are other factors responsible for back pain, which were not taken into consideration in this model. Further research using more complex regression models or taking into consideration additional variables are required for better understanding of the factors affecting vertebral column dysfunction in road cyclists – it will be the subject of further research by the authors.

Troping Identity in Arkady Martine’s Space Opera: From Historical Realism to Quantum Anthropomorphization

Rosi Braidotti’s theory of “nomadic subject” (2011) has shifted the focus from traveller in the literal sense of the word to subject as a process; becoming subject entails a denial of universals in the construction of identity which is redefined as situated embodiment in the world, open to the heteronormativity of changing social codes and accepted modes of living or of conceiving otherness. Nevertheless, travel has always been associated with an explicit ethos, whether as a pious pilgrimage, educational world tour or the grand narrative of civilizing mission. Located on various maps, real or imaginary, civilizations are brought into contact by the huge number of migrants, the problems they raise including the relationship between third worlds and metropolitan cities/ countries, the migrants’ othering by mainstream populations, the migrants’ desire to be naturalised and the estrangement from their true selves as a result. By building simulation models, speculative fiction probes deeply into underground concerns which well up to the surface in postcolonial literature, being expected to produce cognitive enlightenment. Relieved from the material deprivations of the colonial past, the postcolonial subject is now caught in the process of identitarian reconstruction.

"고노에 후미마로(近衛文麿)의 문화외교와 최승희 세계 순회공연(1938~1940)의 추진"

"고노에 후미마로(近衛文麿)의 문화외교와 최승희 세계 순회공연(1938~1940)의 추진"

EMO World Tour Comes To London

The world’s biggest production technology event EMO Hanover returns from 18-23 September 2023 at the Hanover Messe, in Germany. The EMO World Tour for the trade press has been touring the globe and stopped in London on 23 May

Participation in the International Judo Federation World Tour competitions and performance in Tokyo Olympic Games.

The International Judo Federation introduced a ranking system in 2009 that determines top athletes for the Olympic Games and seeds them in competitions. Previous research indicated that this ranking list and past performances predicted 19%-27% of performance in the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between Judo World Tour competitions and Olympic Games performance may have been affected. This study aimed to examine the relationship between athletes' performance in Judo World Tour competitions and their competitive performance at the Olympic Games. Data from 393 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics were analyzed considering both long and short-term performance measures. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and multiple linear regressions were used to predict performance for each sex and the entire sample. The results revealed a range of magnitudes in the correlation between variables, varying from small to large. In terms of regression analyses, it was observed that, for females, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the year prior to the Olympic Games predicted 37% of their performance. For males, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the six months before the Olympic Games predicted 36% of their performance. Thus, athletes' quality and reduced exposure to competition near the Olympic Games appear to be important factors in their performance at the event.

Metabolic Signatures of Performance in Elite World Tour Professional Male Cyclists.

Metabolomics studies of recreational and elite athletes have been so far limited to venipuncture-dependent blood sample collection in the setting of controlled training and medical facilities. However, limited to no information is currently available to determineif findings in laboratory settings are translatable to a real-world scenario in elite competitions.The goal of this study was to define molecular signatures of exertion under controlled exercise conditions and use these signatures as a framework for assessing cycling performance in a World Tour competition. To characterize molecular profiles of exertion in elite athletes during cycling, we performed metabolomics analyses on blood isolated from 28 international-level, elite, World Tour professional male athletes from a Union Cycliste Internationale World Team taken before and after a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion and before and after a long aerobic training session. Moreover, established signatures were then used to characterize the metabolic physiology of five of these cyclists who were selected to represent the same Union Cycliste Internationale World Team during a seven-stage elite World Tour race. Using dried blood spot collection to circumvent logistical hurdles associated with field sampling, these studies defined metabolite signatures and fold change ranges of anaerobic or aerobic exertion in elite cyclists, respectively. Blood profiles of lactate, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, and acylcarnitines differed between exercise modes. The graded exercise test elicited significant two- to three-fold accumulations in lactate and succinate, in addition to significant elevations in free fatty acids and acylcarnitines. Conversely, the long aerobic training session elicited a larger magnitude of increase in fatty acids and acylcarnitines without appreciable increases in lactate or succinate. Comparable signatures were revealed after sprinting and climbing stages, respectively, in a World Tour race. In addition, signatures of elevated fatty acid oxidation capacity correlated with competitive performance. Collectively, these studies provide a unique view of alterations in the blood metabolome of elite athletes during competition and at the peak of their performance capabilities. Furthermore, they demonstrate the utility of dried blood sampling for omics analysis, thereby enabling molecular monitoring of athletic performance in the field during training and competition.

A World Tour of Dental Paintings

‘A picture is worth a thousand words.' In this short adage, the goal and desire achieved through this article focusing on the history of dentistry through paintings is contained. Past experience, whether direct or indirect, is an invaluable asset for dentists. In essence, the past teaches us vicariously, has historical lessons, and is a compass for the future. One of the attractions of art is that it helps people empathize. This is especially true of the power of painting. Even without words or explanations, paintings connect people from the past to modern times. Moreover, if you listen to an explanation of the historical significance of a particular painting, you discover a deeper understand-ing and connection to the events depicted. In this study, famous dental paintings in art museums from around the world will be introduced. In addition, the dental paintings will be considered and discussed as evidence of the life and times of famous painters of the past, and as related to dentistry in particular. We conclude the tour as experts of dental history paintings.

The Ritual Solidarity of Masked Processions in Calabar, Cameroon, and Cuba

The Ritual Solidarity of Masked Processions in Calabar, Cameroon, and Cuba

Anthropometric characteristics according to the role performed by World Tour road cyclists for their team

ABSTRACT Certain anthropometric characteristics are required for athletes to successfully perform in elite endurance sports. The present study aims to analyse the anthropometric characteristics of professional cyclists according to their specialty. Anthropometric measurements were conducted of the body composition of 76 male professional road cyclists in line with International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol. Fat mass did not differ (p > 0.05) between climbers, all-rounders and flat specialists, although the following anthropometric variables did differ according to the role played within the team (p < 0.05): Body mass (climbers: 63.8 ± 3.6, all-rounders: 68.8 ± 5.3, flat specialists: 74.5 ± 5.6 kg) skeletal body mass (climbers: 29.7 ± 1.6, all-rounders: 31.4 ± 1.9, flat specialists: 33.5 ± 2.4 kg); body surface area (climbers: 1.78 ± 0.07, all-rounders: 1.89 ± 0.10, flat specialists: 1.96 ± 0.1 m2); frontal area (climbers: 0.33 ± 0.01, all-rounders: 0.35 ± 0.02, flat specialists: 0.36 ± 0.02 m2). Anthropometric characteristics differ between world-class cyclists depending on their specialty. These differences could influence performance in relation to different types of road cycling competitions. The present study identified characteristics that could be used by coaches to evaluate their athletes in the context of elite or professional road cycling. Highlights Normative reference values of a large sample of professional cyclists of the highest category are presented. Anthropometric characteristics differ between world-class cyclists depending on their specialty. Body mass, BMI, height and skeletal muscle mass are determining factors to determine the role of the cyclist.

Influence of the Thermal Environment on Work Rate and Physiological Strain during a UCI World Tour Multistage Cycling Race.

This study aimed to characterize the thermal and cardiovascular strain of professional cyclists during the 2019 Tour Down Under and determine the associations between thermal indices and power output, and physiological strain. Gastrointestinal temperature ( Tgi ), heart rate (HR), and power output were recorded during the six stages (129-151.5 km) of the Tour Down Under in ≤22 male participants. Thermal indices included dry-bulb, black-globe, wet-bulb, and wet-bulb-globe (WBGT) temperature; relative humidity (RH), Heat Index; Humidex; and universal thermal climate index. The heat stress index (HSI), which reflects human heat strain, was also calculated. Dry-bulb temperature was 23°C-37°C, and RH was 18%-72% (WBGT: 21°C-29°C). Mean Tgi was 38.2°C-38.5°C, and mean peak Tgi was 38.9°C-39.4°C, both highest values recorded during stage 3 (WBGT: 27°C). Peak individual Tgi was ≥40.0°C in three stages and ≥39.5°C in 14%-33% of cyclists in five stages. Mean HR was 131-147 bpm (68%-77% of peak), with the highest mean recorded in stage 3 ( P ≤ 0.005). Mean power output was 180-249 W, with the highest mean recorded during stage 4 ( P < 0.001; 21°C WBGT). The thermal indices most strongly correlated with power output were black-globe temperature ( r = -0.778), RH ( r = 0.768), universal thermal climate index ( r = -0.762), and WBGT ( r = -0.745; all P < 0.001). Mean Tgi was correlated with wet-bulb temperature ( r = 0.495), HSI ( r = 0.464), and Humidex ( r = 0.314; all P < 0.05), whereas mean HR was most strongly correlated with HSI ( r = 0.720), along with Tgi ( r = 0.599) and power output ( r = 0.539; all P < 0.05). Peak Tgi reached 40.0°C in some cyclists, although most remained <39.5°C with an HR of ~73% of peak. Power output was correlated with several thermal indices, primarily influenced by temperature, whereas Tgi and HR were associated with the HSI, which has potential for sport-specific heat policy development.

Sport or Spectacle? The Harlem Globetrotters’ 1955 Visit to Israel

The Harlem Globetrotters basketball team visited Israel as part of its 1955 world tour. As representatives of American culture, the US team challenged the leaders of Israeli sports culture who sought to maintain a tight alignment between local sports, Zionist values, and political interests. This paper uses Debord's society of the spectacle theory to analyse the public criticism of the Globetrotters’ visit to Israel. The analysis finds that the critique, which extended beyond strictly sports criticism, reveals the zeitgeist of Israel’s first decade of independence and its prevalent attitudes toward body culture norms, and illuminates the role assigned to sport in Israeli ethos.