The Role of Cadence and Torque in Fatigue-Related Power Output Decline in Cycling's Grand Monuments

This study examined the effects of cadence and torque on fatigue-related power output (PO) decline in professional cyclists during the Five Monuments, comparing top-5 finishers with cyclists ranked from 6th to 30th. Retrospective data from 64 male cyclists (top-5 n = 14, top-30 n = 42) in the 2021-2023 Five Monuments were analyzed. PO, cadence, and torque profiles were constructed for 10 s, 1 min, 5 min, and 20 min maximal mean power efforts and after 30-60 kJ·kg^-1 workloads. Repeated-measures ANOVA assessed group differences, and Pearson correlations evaluated variable relationships under fatigue. Top-5 finishers exhibited higher PO (e.g., 20 min: p = 0.003; 60 kJ·kg^-1: p < 0.001) and torque (e.g., 20 min at 60 kJ·kg^-1: p < 0.001) compared to cyclists ranked 6th to 30th. They also displayed lower cadence during 10 s efforts at 50-60 kJ·kg^-1 (p = 0.008). Top-5 cyclists maintained stable PO and torque beyond 60 kJ·kg^-1, whereas the top-30 group showed significant declines (p < 0.001). Torque was strongly correlated with PO (r = 0.6-0.9, p < 0.001), while cadence showed a weaker correlation (r = 0.1-0.5). Top-5 cyclists show greater durability, sustaining higher torque and power output during prolonged efforts with minimal cadence changes. These biomechanical traits distinguish elite performers in the Five Monuments and underscore the value of training for torque sustainability and fatigue resistance.