Distribution of power output when establishing a breakaway in cycling
Document Type
Journal Article
Keywords
[RSTDPub], Burst, High intensity, Sprint, Stochasticathletic performance, bicycle, endurance, exercise, human, physiology, review, Athletic Performance, Bicycling, Humans, Physical Endurance, Physical Exertion
Publisher
Human Kinetics
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School
School of Exercise and Health Sciences / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research
RAS ID
16854
Abstract
A number of laboratory-based performance tests have been designed to mimic the dynamic and stochastic nature of road cycling. However, the distribution of power output and thus physical demands of high-intensity surges performed to establish a breakaway during actual competitive road cycling are unclear. Review of data from professional road-cycling events has indicated that numerous short-duration (5-15 s), high-intensity (∼9.5-14 W/kg) surges are typically observed in the 5-10 min before athletes' establishing a breakaway (ie, riding away from a group of cyclists). After this initial high-intensity effort, power output declined but remained high (∼450-500 W) for a further 30 s to 5 min, depending on race dynamics (ie, the response of the chase group). Due to the significant influence competitors have on pacing strategies, it is difficult for laboratory-based performance tests to precisely replicate this aspect of mass-start competitive road cycling. Further research examining the distribution of power output during competitive road racing is needed to refine laboratory-based simulated stochastic performance trials and better understand the factors important to the success of a breakaway.
Comments
Abbiss, C. , Menaspa, P. , Villerius, V., & Martin, D. (2013). Distribution of power output when establishing a breakaway in cycling. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 8(4), 452-455. Available here