Biophysical characterization of the first ultra-cyclist in the world to break the 1,000 km barrier in 24-h non-stop road cycling: A case report

Abstract

A plethora of factors determine elite cycling performance. Those include training characteristics, pacing strategy, aerodynamics, nutritional habits, psychological traits, physical fitness level, body mass composition, and contextual features; even the slightest changes in any of these factors can be associated with performance improvement or deterioration. The aim of the present case report is to compare the performances of the same ultra-cyclist in achieving two world records (WR) in 24 h cycling. We have analyzed and compared the distance covered and speed for each WR. The 24 h period was split into four-time intervals (0–6 h; > 6–12 h; > 12–18 h; > 18–24 h), and we compared the differences in the distance covered and speed between the two WRs. For both WRs, a strong negative correlation between distance and speed was confirmed (r = –0.85; r = –0.89, for old and new WR, respectively). Differences in speed (km/h) were shown between the two WRs, with the most significant differences in 12–18 h (Δ = 6.50 km/h). For the covered distance in each block, the most significant differences were observed in the last part of the cycling (Δ = 38.54 km). The cyclist effective surface area (ACd) was 0.25 m2 less and 20% more drag in the new WR. Additionally, the mechanical power was 8%, the power to overcome drag was 31%, and the power-weight ratio was 8% higher in the new WR. The mechanical efficiency of the cyclist was 1% higher in the new WR. Finally, the heart rate (HR) presented significant differences for the first 6 h (Old WR: 145.80 ± 5.88 bpm; New WR: 139.45 ± 5.82 bpm) and between the 12 and 18 h time interval (Old WR: 133.19 ± 3.53 bpm; New WR: 137.63 ± 2.80 bpm). The marginal gains concept can explain the performance improvement in the new WR, given that the athlete made some improvements in technical specifications after the old WR.

Ultra-Cycling– Past, Present, Future: A Narrative Review

“… 4 female cyclists, 4 male cyclists, 7 male crew members, 1 female crew member, changes in physiological, psychological & perceptual parameters throughout the race in cyclists [ 9 ] Ötztal ultra-cycling race 1999 Single case study, male athlete, 36 years old, BMI 22 kg/m 2 , 12,000 km training in the year of the race [ 49 ] RAAM 2019 (?) Single case study, female non-athlete, training from sedentary lifestyle to ultra-event [ 28 ] 24 h time-limited, self-paced road race events 2022 Single case study of the biophysical characteristics of a male ultra-cyclist with two world records in ultra-cycling events [ 57 ] Cape Argus Cycling Tour and Cape Epic 2012 Differences between mountain bikers and road cyclists in ultra-races in terms of motivation to participate and behavior [ 55 ] Ultra-triathlons Double, Triple, and Deca Iron 1985 to 2009 Increase in overall number of finishers for Double (360 km cycling) and Triple (540 km cycling) races, Deca (1,800 km cycling) finishers stable, women relatively slower than men with increasing length [ 42 ] Triple Iron races vs. ultra-marathon races 2007–2009 Cyclists participating in triple triathlons (540 km cycling) are younger, have a higher training volume, and have higher body mass than runners [ 44 ] Ironman and Triple Ironman races 2007–2009 Ironman participants vs. Triple Ironman (540 km cycling) participants, 49 different nationalities, ultra-athletes with higher BMI, shorter stature, and larger training volume [ 45 ] Double Iron ultra-triathlon 1985–2010 European participants in ultra-triathlons (360 km cycling) have faster finishing times than North...…”