The effects of 3000-m swimming on subsequent 3-h cycling performance: implications for ultraendurance triathletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of 3000-m swimming on subsequent 3-h cycling time trial performance in ultraendurance triathletes. Eight highly trained ultraendurance triathletes [mean (SEM) age 34 (2) years, body fat 12.5 (0.8)%, maximum oxygen consumption 63.2 (2.1) ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)] completed two randomly assigned trials 1 week apart. The swim/bike trial (SB) involved 3000 m of swimming [min:s 52:28 (1:48)] immediately followed by a 3-h cycling performance at a self-selected time-trial pace. The control trial (CON) consisted of an identical 3-h cycling time trial but without prior swimming. Subjects consumed an 8% carbohydrate (CHO)/electrolyte beverage during both trials at the rate of 60 g CHO x h(-1) and 1 l x h(-1). No significant differences were evident between CON and SB on the dependent measures (CON vs. SB): power output [W, 222 (14) W vs. 212 (13) W], heart rate [fc, 147 (5) beats x min(-1) vs. 143 (4) beats min(-1); %fcmax 80.0 (1.6)% vs. 78.4 (1.5)%], oxygen uptake [3.10 (0.12) l x min(-1) vs. 2.97 (0.15) l x min(-1)], minute ventilation [82.5 (4.4) l x min(-1) vs. 77.3 (3.7) l x min(-1)], rating of perceived exertion [14.6 (0.4) vs. 14.0 (0.1)], blood lactate [6.1 (0.5) mmol x l(-1) vs. 4.8 (0.5) mmol x l(-1)], and blood glucose [5.0 (0.2) mmol x l(-1) vs. 5.3 (0.1) mmol x l(-1); all non-significant at the P>0.05 level]. However, the CON respiratory exchange ratio was significantly greater than for SB [0.91 (0.01) vs. 0.89 (0.01); P<0.05], suggesting that the SB trial required a greater reliance on lipid as a fuel substrate. Hence, the main finding in the present study was that 3000 m of swimming had no significant performance effect (in terms of W) on subsequent 3-h cycling performance in ultraendurance triathletes.

Triathlon: swimming for winning

“…Interesting was that swimming arms alone during the same time period of the 750m swim, revealed a similar negative impact while intensive swim-kicking did not affect the physiological activity or the performance during cycling. Longer swim distances and lower relative intensities in both swimming and cycling seem to lower the degradation of mechanical efficiency and/or power output (Laursen, 2000).…”

“…The shorter the triathlon event, the more triathletes , and men even more than women, need to be in the front at the end of the swim stage in order to start cycling in the leading group and so to make the most of their chances for an optimal final positioning (Vleck, 2008). It has been suggested, on the basis of higher lactate values after swimming than after the cycling and running stage, that the swimming effort affects the physiological reaction and the mechanical performance during the rest of the race (Bentley, 2002;Margaritis, 1996;Millet, 2001;Kreider, 1988a;Farber, 1991;Laursen, 2000). Unfortunately solid evidence for this suggestion was missing in these studies.…”

Spring-Mass Behavior during Exhaustive Run at Constant Velocity in Elite Triathletes

“…Although swimming and cycling have both energetic (11,26) and mechanical (9,12) influences on the subsequent mode(s) of locomotion, triathlon overall finishing position is strongly determined by running performance (38). Consequently, a better understanding of the effects of running fatigue as it influences mechanical modification and metabolic energy costs in triathletes continues to be a challenge to improve training programs.…”

Consequences of Drafting on Human Locomotion: Benefits on Sports Performance

“…Studies focusing on the effects of swimming on subsequent cycling performance are restricted (Delextrat et al 2003;Kreider et al 1988;Laursen et al 2000). However, despite the lack of experimental studies, recent reviews on triathlon determinants highlighted that the metabolic demand induced by swimming could have detrimental effects on subsequent cycling adaptations (e.g.…”