Aerobic and Anaerobic Power Distribution During Cross-Country Mountain Bike Racing

Abstract

Purpose: To determine aerobic and anaerobic demands of mountain bike cross-country racing. Methods: Twelve elite cyclists (7 males; = 73.8 [2.6] mL·min-1·kg−1, maximal aerobic power [MAP] = 370 [26] W, 5.7 [0.4] W·kg−1, and 5 females; = 67.3 [2.9] mL·min−1·kg−1, MAP = 261 [17] W, 5.0 [0.1] W·kg−1) participated over 4 seasons at several (119) international and national races and performed laboratory tests regularly to assess their aerobic and anaerobic performance. Power output, heart rate, and cadence were recorded throughout the races. Results: The mean race time was 79 (12) minutes performed at a mean power output of 3.8 (0.4) W·kg−1; 70% (7%) MAP (3.9 [0.4] W·kg−1 and 3.6 [0.4] W·kg−1 for males and females, respectively) with a cadence of 64 (5) rev·min−1 (including nonpedaling periods). Time spent in intensity zones 1 to 4 (below MAP) were 28% (4%), 18% (8%), 12% (2%), and 13% (3%), respectively; 30% (9%) was spent in zone 5 (above MAP). The number of efforts above MAP was 334 (84), which had a mean duration of 4.3 (1.1) seconds, separated by 10.9 (3) seconds with a mean power output of 7.3 (0.6) W·kg−1 (135% [9%] MAP). Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of the anaerobic energy system and the interaction between anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. Therefore, the ability to perform numerous efforts above MAP and a high aerobic capacity are essential to be competitive in mountain bike cross-country.

Exercise Intensity and Pacing Pattern During a Cross-Country Olympic Mountain Bike Race

“…However, differences in fatigability between sexes during intermittent exercise and > CP intensity have been reported, and it is not clear how this relates to expression of relative CP parameters during XCO ( Billaut and Bishop, 2009 ; Ansdell et al, 2019 , 2020 ). Conversely, the observed similar progression of relative CP parameters regardless of sex in this study is in line with Prinz et al (2021) , who reported similar behavior of above MAP segments between sexes during XCO races. Ultimately, current research regarding sex differences remains inconclusive and should be considered with caution when applying the CP model to XCO.…”

“…Difference between sexes in the XCO format has not been elucidated and can therefore not be excluded as a potential limitation, although similar relative characteristics have been suggested ( do Carmo et al, 2020 ; Prinz et al, 2021 ). However, differences in fatigability between sexes during intermittent exercise and > CP intensity have been reported, and it is not clear how this relates to expression of relative CP parameters during XCO ( Billaut and Bishop, 2009 ; Ansdell et al, 2019 , 2020 ).…”

Current Perspectives of Cross-Country Mountain Biking: Physiological and Mechanical Aspects, Evolution of Bikes, Accidents and Injuries

“…In addition, athletes and coaches have reported that the degree of difficulty of the technical sections has been increased in recent years, making the circuit more complex and challenging. These changes influenced the physiological responses and mechanical demands of the competition [5].…”

“…In addition to monitoring and evaluating performance, sport researchers used portable devices to describe the physiological responses and mechanical demands of the XCO competition [3][4][5]9]. Although few studies have described these responses and demands in the XCO, it is possible to summarize its requirements (Table 2).…”

“…Only the two more recent studies measured cadence (CA) during XCO competition [4,5] (Table 2). The results showed that the CA selected by the riders was higher than these reported in the laboratory tests considered most effective [10,11], mainly when time spent not pedaling was excluded.…”