How do world class top 5 Giro d'Italia finishers train? A qualitative multiple case study.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Cycling Performance

Background:

• Professional road cyclists require optimized training strategies for Grand Tour success.
• Understanding individual preparation methods is crucial for enhancing performance in elite cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the training strategies of three world-class cyclists who achieved a top 5 finish in the Giro d'Italia.
• To describe weekly training volume, intensity distribution, and altitude exposure in the lead-up to a Grand Tour.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of power meter data from 22 weeks prior to the Giro d'Italia.
• Examination of training logs, racing data, and altitude camp attendance for three elite male cyclists.
• Calculation of training intensity distribution across three zones (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3).

Main Results:

• Cyclists exhibited a pyramidal intensity distribution (predominantly Zone 1 and Zone 2, with limited Zone 3).
• High-intensity volume and polarization index increased during race weeks.
• Tapering phases were influenced by the race calendar, and no strength training was recorded during the analyzed period.

Conclusions:

• Individualized training strategies, characterized by a pyramidal approach and race-specific intensity increases, are employed by top cyclists.
• Altitude training was utilized by two of the three cyclists, indicating varied approaches to acclimatization.
• The findings suggest that tapering and the exclusion of strength training are common practices in the preparation for major cycling tours.