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Laboratory-based determinants of simulated time trial performance in cyclists
Pedro L Valenzuela1,2, Lidia B Alejo1,3, Almudena Montalvo-Pérez3
1Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
Biology of Sport
|October 23, 2023
Summary
Endurance indicators like ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and peak power output (PPO) best predict cycling time trial performance in elite cyclists. Strength, power, and body composition are less influential when combined with endurance factors.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Performance Analysis
Background:
- Laboratory variables individually correlate with cycling performance.
- Limited research exists on the combined predictive power of these variables for time trial performance in elite cyclists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined association of laboratory-based endurance, strength/power, and body composition indicators with time trial performance in high-level cyclists.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-four male cyclists underwent maximal incremental cycling tests for endurance assessment (peak power output [PPO], maximum oxygen uptake [V̇O2max], ventilatory threshold [VT], respiratory compensation point [RCP]).
- Muscle strength and power were assessed via 1-repetition maximum and mean maximal power in squat, lunge, and hip-thrust exercises.
- Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, followed by a simulated 8-minute time trial to determine performance (mean power output).
Main Results:
- Endurance indicators showed strong-to-very-strong correlations (r = 0.68–0.92) with time trial performance.
- Strength/power (r < 0.5) and body composition (r < 0.7) indicators exhibited weaker correlations.
- Multivariate regression indicated VT, RCP, and PPO together explained 92% of the variance in time trial performance (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Endurance capabilities, specifically VT, RCP, and PPO, are the primary determinants of time trial performance in elite cyclists when considered collectively.
- While other factors correlate individually, endurance metrics demonstrate the strongest combined association for maximizing performance.
