Validity of using functional threshold power and intermittent power to predict cross-country mountain bike race outcome
Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Validity of using functional threshold power and intermittent power to predict cross-country mountain bike race outcome. Purpose: Field tests are important for athletes and sport practitioners as they offer valuable information on performance without demanding the time and cost to visit a laboratory. This study tested the ability of relative functional threshold power (FTP) and intermittent power (IP) field-tests to be used as predictors of cross-country mountain bike (XC-MTB) race finishing time (RT). Methods: Eleven well-trained male XC-MTB cyclists (mean age: 35.8 ± 8.2 yr; mean mass: 80.8 ± 13.4 kg) volunteered for this study. Relative (W/kg) FTP and relative IP were collected from field tests with the mean of all work intervals was recorded as IP and FTP calculated from 95% of mean maximal 20-minute power. RT was collected during a mass-start 17.4 km simulated XC-MTB race. Results: Both IP (r2=0.786) and FTP (r2=0.736) models were able to significantly predict RT (p < 0.001). However, the prediction errors were less when using Relative IP than Relative FTP (273.5 s versus 303.6 s). Conclusion: A field-based IP test can be used as a benchmark for the determination of XC-MTB athlete ability and preparedness. Athlete improvements can be tracked using an IP test.
Authors and Affiliations
Matthew C Miller| East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA.Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Gavin L Moir| East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA, Stephen R Stannard| Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP2826
- DOI -
- Views 425
- Downloads 24
The reliability of performance during computer-simulated varying gradient cycling time trials
Ergometer based time trials are commonly used to assess performance changes due to training or other interventions. This investigation establishes the reliability of a novel computer simulated cycling time trial. Ninetee...
Physiological and performance characteristics of road, mountain bike and BMX cyclists
The purpose of this research was to quantify several physiological and power output characteristics of high-performance road, cross-country mountain bike (XCMB), downhill mountain bike (DHMB) and bicycle motocross (BMX)...
Amateur cyclists can complete the full Tour de France in the same amount of days as professional cyclists
Participating in the Tour de France (TdF), 3.497 kilometres in 21 days, is a challenge for professional as well as for amateur cyclists. The exceptional high demands both physically and mentally enhance the risk of falli...
The physical, mental and hormonal responses to short-term intensified training in well-trained cyclists with a high carbohydrate nutritional intervention
Background: Short periods of intensified training (IT) are a regular feature in a cyclist’s training programme. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in performance, mood state and plasma hormones during short ter...
An online survey using social media investigating the use of kinesiology type tape and McConnell type tape with clinicians who treat cycling related knee pain
Background: The Tour de France will undoubtedly showcase various cycling related injuries in its Yorkshire opening stages in 2014. Patello-Femoral Pain (PFP) is responsible for over 25% of all road cycling injuries and o...