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Preferred pedalling cadence in professional cycling
A Lucía1, J Hoyos, J L Chicharro
1Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas y Fisiología, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. alejandro.lucia@mrfs.cisa.uem.es
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Professional cyclists prefer higher cadences (around 90 rpm) during flat stages and time trials, but adopt a lower, more economical cadence (around 70 rpm) for uphill cycling challenges.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Cycling Biomechanics
Background:
- Understanding optimal cycling cadence is crucial for performance and efficiency in professional cycling.
- Previous laboratory studies suggest specific cadences are most economical, but real-world competition demands may differ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the preferred cycling cadence of professional cyclists during different phases of major road races.
- To compare in-competition cadences with previously reported economical cadences from laboratory settings.
Main Methods:
- Seven professional cyclists' cadence and heart rate (HR) were recorded during three-week Grand Tours (Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, Vuelta a España).
- Data were collected during three distinct competition types: high mountain passes (HM), individual time trials (TT), and flat group stages (F).
Main Results:
- Mean cadence was significantly lower during HM (71.0 rpm) compared to F (89.3 rpm) and TT (92.4 rpm).
- Heart rate was similar during HM and TT (approx. 158 bpm) and higher than during F (124 bpm), indicating varying exercise intensities.
Conclusions:
- Professional cyclists naturally adopt higher cadences (approx. 90 rpm) during flat stages and time trials than previously suggested by lab studies.
- During demanding uphill cycling, riders opt for a lower, potentially more economical cadence (approx. 70 rpm) reflecting the specific physiological demands.