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Pacing Strategy in Short Cycling Time Trials.

Jelle de Jong¹, Linda van der Meijden, Simone Hamby

¹MOVE Research Inst Amsterdam, VU University-Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

|March 11, 2015

Summary

Cyclists use an "all-out" pacing strategy for short 250-m time trials, but a more conservative approach for longer 500-m and 1000-m events. Peak power output is lower than maximal capacity in fixed-distance cycling races.

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Area of Science:

Sports Science
Exercise Physiology
Cycling Performance

Background:

Optimizing energy resource distribution is key for peak cycling performance.
Understanding pacing strategies is crucial for competitive cyclists.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate power output during 250-m, 500-m, and 1000-m cycling time trials.
Characterize the pacing strategies adopted by trained cyclists in fixed-distance events.

Main Methods:

Nine trained cyclists performed incremental tests and three time trials.
Peak power and gross efficiency were measured before and after trials.
Oxygen consumption was monitored to assess aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions.

Main Results:

Peak power during time trials (PPTT) was lower than peak sprint power (PP sprint).
Gross efficiency declined significantly during all trials.
Anaerobic energy contribution was lower in the 250-m trial compared to longer distances.

Conclusions:

The 250-m trial pacing resembles an "all-out" strategy, though not maximal.
A true "all-out" power output strategy may not be feasible in fixed-distance events.
Longer 500-m and 1000-m trials exhibited more conservative pacing with constant anaerobic power output.