Examining pacing profiles in elite female road cyclists using exposure variation analysis

• Published in: British journal of sports medicine Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 437 - 442
• Main Authors: Abbiss, C R, Straker, L, Quod, M J, Martin, D T, Laursen, P B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine 01.05.2010; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Analysis of Variance; Athletic Performance - physiology; Bicycle racing; Bicycling; Bicycling - physiology; Comparative analysis; Data collection; Energy Metabolism - physiology; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Female; Humans; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Physical Endurance - physiology; Physiology; Researchers; Sports medicine; Studies; Tournaments & championships; Variance analysis; Women
• ISSN: 0306-3674; 1473-0480
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.047787

Objective In this study, the amplitude and time distribution of power output in a variety of competitive cycling events through the use of a new mathematical analysis was examined: exposure variation analysis (EVA). Design Descriptive field study. Setting Various professional road cycling events, including; a 5-day—eight-stage tour race, a 1-day World Cup event and the Australian National Individual Time Trial Championships. Participants 9 elite female cyclists (mean (SD), mass = 57.8 (3.4) kg, height = 167.3 (2.8) cm, Vo2peak = 63.2 (5.2) ml kg−1 min−1). Interventions None. Main outcome measurements The variation in power output and the quantification of the total time and acute time spent at various exercise intensities during competitive professional cycling were examined. Predefined levels of exercise intensity that elicited first ventilation threshold, second ventilation threshold and maximal aerobic power were determined from a graded exercise test performed before the events and compared with power output during each event. Results EVA exposed that power output during the time trial was highly variable (EVASD = 2.81 (0.33)) but more evenly distributed than the circuit/criterium (4.23 (0.31)) and road race events (4.81 (0.96)). Conclusion EVA may be useful for illustrating variations in the amplitude and time distribution of power output during cycling events. The specific race format influenced not only the overall time spent in various power bands, but also the acute time spent at these exercise intensities.