Torque and Power-Velocity Relationships in Cycling: Relevance to Track Sprint Performance in World-Class Cyclists

Abstract

The aims of the present study were both to describe anthropometrics and cycling power-velocity characteristics in top-level track sprinters, and to test the hypothesis that these variables would represent interesting predictors of the 200 m track sprint cycling performance. Twelve elite cyclists volunteered to perform a torque-velocity test on a calibrated cycle ergometer, after the measurement of their lean leg volume (LLV) and frontal surface area (A_p), in order to draw torque- and power-velocity relationships, and to evaluate the maximal power (P_max), and both the optimal pedalling rate (ƒ_opt) and torque (T_opt) at which P_max is reached. The 200 m performances - i.e. velocity (V₂₀₀) and pedalling rate (ƒ₂₀₀) - were measured during international events (REC) and in the 2002 French Track Cycling Championships (NAT). P_max, ƒ_opt, and T_opt were respectively 1600 ± 116 W, 129.8 ± 4.7 rpm and 118.5 ± 9.8 N · m. P_max was strongly correlated with T_opt (p < 0.001), which was correlated with LLV (p < 0.01). V₂₀₀ was related to P_max normalized by A_p (p ≤ 0.05) and also to ƒ_opt (p < 0.01) for REC and NAT. ƒ₂₀₀ (155.2 ± 3, REC; 149 ± 4.3, NAT) were significantly higher than ƒ_opt (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrated that, in this population of world-class track cyclists, the optimization of the ratio between P_max and A_p represents a key factor of 200 m performance. Concerning the major role also played by ƒ_opt, it is assumed that, considering high values of ƒ₂₀₀, sprinters with a high value of optimal pedalling rate (i.e. lower ƒ₂₀₀ - f _opt difference) could be theoretically in better conditions to maximize their power output during the race and hence performance.

Elite sprint cycling - 200 m flying start - maximal power (P_max) - optimal pedalling rate (ƒ_opt) - projected frontal area (A_p)

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