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Science and cycling: current knowledge and future directions for research.
Greg Atkinson1, Richard Davison, Asker Jeukendrup
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, UK. g.atkinson2@lboro.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|October 29, 2003
Summary
This review explores factors affecting cycling performance, including human physiology, environmental conditions, and pacing strategies. Optimizing cycling requires understanding these complex interactions and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cycling performance is influenced by numerous human and environmental factors.
- Understanding the complex interrelationships between these factors is crucial for optimization.
- Professional cyclists represent a pinnacle of adaptation to endurance exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing cycling power output and velocity.
- To model the interrelationships between these factors.
- To suggest future research for optimizing cycling performance across disciplines and environments.
Main Methods:
- Holistic review of existing cycling science literature.
- Analysis of physiological factors (e.g., aerobic power, muscle type).
- Incorporation of mathematical modeling and direct power measurement (strain gauges).
Main Results:
- High maximal aerobic power and sustained high power output are key for successful cyclists.
- Aerodynamic interventions must consider rider power output.
- Mathematical models aid in identifying optimal pacing strategies for various race conditions.
Conclusions:
- Further research on elite cyclists is needed to understand peak performance adaptations.
- All-terrain bicycle (ATB) racing requires more research on power output and resistive forces.
- Nutrition and thermal environment interact, necessitating further study, especially for stage racing.