Biseasonal Changes in Aerobic Capacity and Sports Performance in Highly Trained Mountain Bike Cyclists Applying Elements of the Polarized Training Programme

Abstract

Introduction. This study assessed maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), power output and sports performance in mountain bike cyclists applying elements of the polarized training programme (POL) Material and Methods. Seven cyclists participated in the study. Immediately before the 2-year experiment (T1), and five times during the experiment (T2, T3, T4, T5, T6), incremental and verification tests were performed to assess VO2max, peak aerobic power (Ppeak) and power at the second ventilatory threshold (PVT2). During the experiment, sports performance in mountain bike cyclists at National Championships, European Championships, World Championships, and World Cup were analyzed. The cyclists performed POL for seven months in each year of the experiment. POL included sprint interval training, high-intensity interval training, and low-intensity endurance training. Results. In the group of cyclists VO2max [l∙min−1] increased in T6 (4.14 ± 1.13) compared to T1 (3.74 ± 0.95), Ppeak [W] increased in T4, T5 and T6 (353 ± 78.45; 350.14 ± 87.96; 360.23 ± 93.83; respectively) compared to T1 (324.14 ± 90.24), and PVT2 [W] increased in T3, T4, T5 and T6 (265.57 ± 80.66; 267.29 ± 63.74; 266.43 ± 69.29; 276.71 ± 78.99; respectively) compared to T1 (229.29 ± 62.91). Cyclists’ sports performance improved during the experiment, and one of them won bronze medal at the World Championships. Conclusions. During the biseasonal experiment using elements of the polarized training programme, improvements in VO2max, Ppeak and PVT2 were observed in cyclists, which was accompanied by better sports performance in cycling races.