Exercise intensity and load during different races in youth and junior cyclists
Jose A Rodríguez-Marroyo1, Raúl Pernía, Roberto Cejuela
1Department of Physical Education and Sports, Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain. j.marroyo@unileon.es
Abstract:
This study analyzed and compared the exercise intensity exerted by Youth and Junior cyclists in single-day and stage races. Heart rate was measured during the races and categorized according to 3 intensity zones: Z1 (below the ventilatory threshold [VT]), Z2 (between the VT and the respiratory compensation threshold [RCT]), and Z3 (above the RCT). The training impulse (TRIMP) was calculated by multiplying the sum of the time spent in each zone by 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Time spent in Z1, Z2, and daily TRIMP were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Junior than in Youth in both single-day races (21.6 ± 1.9 min vs. 14.8 ± 1.6 min, 55.4 ± 2.3 min vs. 34.7 ± 1.9 min, and 257 ± 6 vs. 194 ± 6, respectively) and stage races (49.2 ± 3.4 min vs. 23.5 ± 4.7 min, 51.2 ± 2.6 min vs. 35.3 ± 3.7 min, and 201 ± 10 vs. 147 ± 7, respectively). In Youth and Junior, time and percentage time spent in Z3 and daily TRIMP were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in single-day races (39.0 ± 1.9 min, 40.2 ± 1.9% and 225 ± 7) than in stage races (13.9 ± 1.8 min, 15.2 ± 1.8% and 174 ± 8). In conclusion, the present study showed that races in both Youth and Junior categories are highly demanding and that their intensity and exercise load are related to the total race duration.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Eccentric Loading


