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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(3): 188-193
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1104582
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Starting Strategy on Cycling Time Trial Performance in the Heat

C. R. Abbiss 1 , 2 , J. J. Peiffer 1 , B. A. Wall 1 , D. T. Martin 2 , P. B. Laursen 1
  • 1School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
  • 2Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, Australia
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision July 23, 2008

Publication Date:
06 February 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of starting strategy on time trial performance in the heat. Eleven endurance trained male cyclists (30±5 years, 79.5±4.6 kg, V˙O2max 58.5±5.0 ml.kg.−1 min−1) performed four 20-km time trials in the heat (32.7±0.7°C and 55% relative humidity). The first time trial was completed at a self-selected pace (SPTT). During the following time trials, subjects performed the initial 2.5-km at power outputs 10% above (10% ATT), 10% below (10% BTT) or equal (ETT) to that of the average power during the initial 2.5-km of the self-selected trial; the remaining 17.5-km was self-paced. Throughout each time trial, power output, rectal temperature, skin temperature, heat storage, pain intensity and thermal sensation were taken. Despite significantly (P<0.05) greater power outputs for 10% BTT (273±45W) compared with the ETT (267±48W) and 10% ATT (265±41W) during the final 17.5-km, overall 20-km performance time was not significantly different amongst trials. There were no differences in any of the other measured variables between trials. These data show that varying starting power by ±10% did not affect 20 km time trial performance in the heat.

Key words

pacing strategy - power - thermoregulation - bicycling - hyperthermia

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Correspondence

C. R. AbbissBSc. Sports Science 

School of Exercise

Biomedical and Health Sciences

Edith Cowan University

100 Joondalup drive

6168 Perth

Australia

Phone: +61/8/6304 51 56

Fax: +61/8/6304 50 36

Email: c.abbiss@ecu.edu.au

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