Methodological approach to assess cardiovascular dynamics in elite cyclists.

This study introduces a novel time-series method to optimize performance in professional cycling, analyzing cardiovascular reactivity and power output in elite cyclists during monument races. Integrating power meter and heart rate data, we derive critical power (CP), assess effort intensity (% CP), and track heart rate dynamics across race quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), revealing heart rate dynamics in elite cyclist. Preliminary testing of this method showed that Top 10 cyclists show significantly higher heart rate increase rates in Q1 ( < 0.

Is intensity the most important factor in determining the amount of prior work accumulated that affects cyclists' acute durability? A systematic review.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine how exercise intensity influences the amount of work required to induce changes in cyclists' acute durability and to evaluate the suitability of using kilojoules (kJ) as a metric for fatigue monitoring.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus were searched for studies assessing the relationship or effect between prior accumulated work and performance reductions in cyclists.

What Does It Take to Reach the Podium? Power Output and Heart Rate-Derived Racing Demands of Top Cyclists During Grand Tours.

Scarce evidence exists on the demands needed to attain the highest positions during Grand Tours (Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, Vuelta a España). Using power output (PO) and heart rate (HR) data, we aimed to compare the racing demands of successful (at least top-5) and less successful (at least top-15) cyclists during Grand Tours. We identified Grand Tours in which we could compare cyclists who had attained a top-5 position (Top) with riders who also competed for the General Classification in the same race but attained a worse position (Non-Top, at least top 15).

Reliability of the durability concept in professional cyclists: a field-based study.

Durability is increasingly recognized as a determinant of cycling performance. However, its reliability remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the repeatability of durability (determined as the decline in power output after accumulated work).

Decoding Victory in Cycling's Grand Monuments: A Performance Analysis of Top-5 Versus Top-6-30 Finishers.

This study aimed to examine the key performance metrics and durability differences between cyclists finishing in the top-5 and those ranked between 6th and 30th in the Five Monuments of Cycling (Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia). Data from 64 professional male cyclists were analyzed. Cyclists were categorized into top-5 finishers (n = 14) and top-6-30 finishers (n = 50).

Modifications in pedaling kinematics, saddle pressures and comfort in elite cyclists after alterations in saddle height during ventilatory thresholds.

Clear evidence is lacking in cycling biomechanics research regarding the effects of pedaling at various saddle heights (SH) and intensities, hindering full comprehension of bicycle geometry configurations and their impacts on performance and potential injuries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of changes in SH (freely chosen, +2%, and -2%) at two intensities (First (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory threshold) on the pressures exerted on the saddle, the lower-limb kinematics, and perceived comfort. Twenty-four elite cyclists pedaled for 6 min on an ergometer at each of the saddle heights and intensities.

Sex differences in durability: A field-based study in professional cyclists.

Objectives: Durability is emerging as a key performance determinant in cycling, but scarce evidence exists on the durability of female cyclists, and particularly on whether there are sex differences. We therefore aimed to determine potential sex differences in durability.

Design: Observational field-based study.

Antidoping 2.0: Is Adding Power-Output Data to the Antidoping Pool the Next Step? Experts' Viewpoint.

Background: Efforts are needed to improve antidoping procedures. The widespread use of power meters among cyclists could help in this regard. However, controversy exists on whether performance monitoring through power-output data could be of help for antidoping purposes.

Assessing sleep quality in elite and junior cyclists.

In the pursuit of optimal recovery, the significance of sleep cannot be overstated for elite cyclists, including high-level cyclists within the junior category. This study aims to assess the sleep quality of elite athletes of different categories and disciplines, including junior. The sleep quality of 112 high-level cyclists (males  = 80; females  = 32) participating in endurance and sprint disciplines was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

The Day-by-Day Periodization Strategies of a Giro d'Italia Podium Finisher.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the day-by-day training and racing characteristics in preparation for the Giro d'Italia of 1 world-class road cyclist who achieved a place on the podium in the final general classification of the Giro d'Italia.

Methods: Day-by-day power meter training and racing data of 1 study subject (road cyclist; age 25 y; relative maximum oxygen consumption 81 mL·min-1·kg-1; relative 20-min record power output 6.6 W·kg-1) covering the 152 days leading up to the podium in the Giro d'Italia final general classification were retrospectively analyzed.

The Weekly Periodization of Top 5 Tour de France General Classification Finishers: A Multiple Case Study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe individual training characteristics, racing strategies, and periodization in preparation for the Tour de France in 2 world-class road cyclists finishing in the top 5 of the general classification.

Methods: Week-by-week power meter training and racing data of 2 (A and B) road cyclists (age: 29 and 23 y; maximum oxygen consumption: 83 and 81 mL·min-1·kg-1; and relative 20-min record power output: 6.9 and 6.

Between-Seasons Variability of Cyclists' Peak Performance: A Longitudinal Analysis of "Real-World" Power Output Data in Male Professional Cyclists.

Purpose: The record power profile (RPP) has gained popularity as a method of monitoring endurance cycling performance. However, the expected variation of cyclists' performance between seasons remains unknown. We aimed to assess the between-seasons variability of peak performance (assessed through the RPP) in male professional cyclists.

Is the Record Power Profile Repeatable? A Practical Analysis and Interpretation in Professional Cyclists.

Muriel, X, Hernández-Belmonte, A, Mateo-March, M, Valenzuela, PL, Zabala, M, Barranco-Gil, D, Lucia, A, and Pallares, JG. Is the record power profile repeatable? A practical analysis and interpretation in professional cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1131-1134, 2023-This study assessed the repeatability of the Record Power Profile (RPP, i.

Predicting BMX Performance with Laboratory Measurements in Elite Riders.

In Bicycle Motocross (BMX) performance is determined by the riders' sprint ability and power output. Therefore, descriptive and predictive performance assessments through laboratory and field tests are of interest. Twelve members of the Spanish BMX National Team performed 4 laboratory tests, including 1RM in squat, a Wingate test, a 5x6-s repeated sprint test (RST) and a force-velocity profile test.

Influence of Torque and Cadence on Power Output Production in Cyclists.

Purpose: No information is available on the torque/cadence relationship in road cyclists. We aimed to establish whether this relationship differs between cyclists of different performance levels or team roles.

Methods: Mean maximal power (MMP) output data from 177 riders were obtained from 2012 to 2021 from training and competitions.

Nutritional Habits of Professional Cyclists during Pre-Season.

The first aim of the present study was to assess the dietary intake of professional cyclists during pre-season. The second aim was to assess the dietary habits of this population during a complete season. Fifteen elite male (age: 23.

Comparative analysis of endurance, strength and body composition indicators in professional, under-23 and junior cyclists.

To compare endurance, strength and body composition indicators between cyclists of three different competition age categories. Fifty-one male road cyclists classified as either junior ( = 13, age 16.4 ± 0.

Field-Derived Maximal Power Output in Cycling: An Accurate Indicator of Maximal Performance Capacity?

Purpose: To determine the validity of field-derived mean maximum power (MMP) values for monitoring maximal cycling endurance performance.

Methods: Twenty-seven male professional cyclists performed 3 timed trials (TTs) of 1-, 5-, and 20-minute duration that were used as the gold standard reference. Field-based power output data (3336 files; 124 [25] per cyclist) were registered during the preparatory (60 d pre-TT, including training data only) and specific period of the season (60 d post-TT, including both training and competitions).

Validity and Reliability of the Leomo Motion-Tracking Device Based on Inertial Measurement Unit with an Optoelectronic Camera System for Cycling Pedaling Evaluation.

Background: The use of inertial measurement sensors (IMUs), in the search for a more ecological measure, is spreading among sports professionals with the aim of improving the sports performance of cyclists. The kinematic evaluation using the Leomo system (TYPE-R, Leomo, Boulder, CO, USA) has become popular.

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Leomo system by measuring the angular kinematics of the lower extremities in the sagittal plane during pedaling at different intensities compared to a gold-standard motion capture camera system (OptiTrack, Natural Point, Inc.

How do world class top 5 Giro d'Italia finishers train? A qualitative multiple case study.

The aim of this study was to describe individual training strategies in preparation to Giro d'Italia of three world class road cyclists who achieved a top 5 in the general classification. Day-to-day power meter training and racing data of three road cyclists (age: 26, 27, 25 years; relative maximum oxygen consumption: 81, 82, 80 ml·min ·kg ; relative 20-min record power output: 6.6, 6.

Differences in Training Characteristics Between Junior, Under 23 and Professional Cyclists.

The aim was to compare the training characteristics of junior, under 23 and professional road cyclists. Training data collected during the 2019 competitive season of thirty male cyclists, divided into three age-related categories (JUN; U23; PRO), were retrospectively analyzed for training characteristics, external and internal training load. Higher duration per training session were observed in PRO (2.