Acceptability of power variation during a simulated hilly time trial

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Cycling Performance

Background:

• Cycling time trials (TT) often involve varied terrain.
• Optimal pacing strategies for hilly TTs are crucial for performance.
• Investigating the physiological and performance effects of variable power output during TTs is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability and effectiveness of a variable power pacing strategy during a simulated hilly cycling time trial.
• To compare performance and physiological responses between constant and variable power pacing strategies.

Main Methods:

• Seven cyclists completed an 800-kJ self-paced TT on a flat course.
• A simulated hilly TT course with uphill (5% gradient) and downhill (-5% gradient) sections was modeled.
• Cyclists used two pacing strategies: constant power and variable power (±5% of mean power).

Main Results:

• The variable power trial resulted in a significantly faster mean finish time (3670 ± 589 s) compared to the constant power trial (3758 ± 645 s).
• Two out of seven cyclists could not fully adhere to the variable power strategy in the final 400 kJ.
• No significant differences in heart rate, lactate, or perceived exertion were observed between constant and variable power trials.

Conclusions:

• While not all cyclists could fully adhere to a ±5% variable power strategy on a hilly TT course, partial adoption still yielded significant time savings.
• Variable power pacing in hilly cycling time trials can improve performance without increasing physiological strain.