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Correlations between physiological variables and performance in high level cross country off road cyclists
F M Impellizzeri1, S M Marcora, E Rampinini
1Human Performance Laboratory, S S Mapei, Castellanza 21053, Italy. mapeisport@tin.it
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 27, 2005
Summary
Submaximal aerobic fitness, specifically power output and oxygen uptake at the second ventilatory threshold, better predicts elite mountain biker performance than maximal measures. Body mass is also crucial for off-road cycling success.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Cycling Performance Analysis
Background:
- Elite mountain biking performance relies on a complex interplay of physiological and biomechanical factors.
- Understanding the specific aerobic fitness determinants crucial for off-road cycling is essential for targeted training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maximal and submaximal aerobic fitness indicators and performance in elite mountain bikers.
- To identify which physiological markers are most predictive of success in cross-country (XC) circuit racing.
Main Methods:
- 12 internationally competitive mountain bikers underwent laboratory testing.
- Measurements included maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak power output (PPO), and power output (PO) and oxygen uptake (VO2) at the first (VT) and second (RCT) ventilatory thresholds.
- These physiological data were correlated with race times in an XC circuit race.
Main Results:
- Normalized power output (PO) and oxygen uptake (VO2) at the second ventilatory threshold (RCT) were significantly correlated with off-road cycling performance (r = -0.63 and r = -0.66, respectively; p<0.05).
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak power output (PPO), and the first ventilatory threshold (VT) did not show significant correlations with performance in this elite group.
- These findings highlight the importance of submaximal aerobic capacity and normalized power output for mountain biking.
Conclusions:
- Submaximal aerobic fitness indices, particularly PO and VO2 at RCT, appear more critical for elite mountain biking performance than maximal indices.
- The study underscores the significance of maintaining a low body mass for competitive off-road cycling.
- Given that aerobic fitness explained only 40% of performance variance, further research into other physiological and technical factors influencing XC performance is warranted.