The Record Power Profile to Assess Performance in
Elite Cyclists
J. Pinot , F. Grappe
Abstract
▼
The purpose of this study was to assess the
Record Power Profile (RPP) of cyclists, i. e., the
relationship between different record Power
Output (PO) and the corresponding durations
through a whole race season. We hypothesized
that PO of different effort durations could differ
according to the cyclist’s category and race
performance profile. 17 cyclists (9 professionals
and 8 elites) performed all trainings and competitions
during 10 months with a mobile power
meter device (SRM) mounted on their bike. The
results show that the cyclists ’ RPP is a hyperbolic
relationship between the diff erent record PO and
time durations. It significantly reflects the characteristics
of different skills: 1) sprinters have
the highest record PO within zone 5, 2) climbers
present the highest record PO within zones 2 – 3
and, 3) climbers and flat specialists have higher
zone 1 record PO than sprinters. These results
suggest that the RPP represents “ a signature ” of
the cyclists ’ physical capacity and that it allows
the determination of different training intensities.
The RPP appears as a new concept that is
interesting for coaches and scientists in order to
evaluate performance in cycling.
Elite Cyclists
J. Pinot , F. Grappe
Abstract
▼
The purpose of this study was to assess the
Record Power Profile (RPP) of cyclists, i. e., the
relationship between different record Power
Output (PO) and the corresponding durations
through a whole race season. We hypothesized
that PO of different effort durations could differ
according to the cyclist’s category and race
performance profile. 17 cyclists (9 professionals
and 8 elites) performed all trainings and competitions
during 10 months with a mobile power
meter device (SRM) mounted on their bike. The
results show that the cyclists ’ RPP is a hyperbolic
relationship between the diff erent record PO and
time durations. It significantly reflects the characteristics
of different skills: 1) sprinters have
the highest record PO within zone 5, 2) climbers
present the highest record PO within zones 2 – 3
and, 3) climbers and flat specialists have higher
zone 1 record PO than sprinters. These results
suggest that the RPP represents “ a signature ” of
the cyclists ’ physical capacity and that it allows
the determination of different training intensities.
The RPP appears as a new concept that is
interesting for coaches and scientists in order to
evaluate performance in cycling.