Torque and Power-Velocity Relationships in Cycling: Relevance to Track Sprint Performance in World-Class Cyclists

Abstract

The aims of the present study were both to describe anthropometrics and cycling power-velocity characteristics in top-level track sprinters, and to test the hypothesis that these variables would represent interesting predictors of the 200 m track sprint cycling performance. Twelve elite cyclists volunteered to perform a torque-velocity test on a calibrated cycle ergometer, after the measurement of their lean leg volume (LLV) and frontal surface area (A(p)), in order to draw torque- and power-velocity relationships, and to evaluate the maximal power (P(max)), and both the optimal pedalling rate (f(opt)) and torque (T(opt)) at which P (max) is reached. The 200 m performances--i.e. velocity (V200) and pedalling rate (f 200)--were measured during international events (REC) and in the 2002 French Track Cycling Championships (NAT). P(max), f(opt), and T(opt) were respectively 1600 +/- 116 W, 129.8 +/- 4.7 rpm and 118.5 +/- 9.8 N . m. P(max) was strongly correlated with T(opt) (p < 0.001), which was correlated with LLV (p < 0.01). V200 was related to P(max) normalized by A(p) (p < or = 0.05) and also to f(opt) (p < 0.01) for REC and NAT. f 200 (155.2 +/- 3, REC; 149 +/- 4.3, NAT) were significantly higher than f(opt) (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrated that, in this population of world-class track cyclists, the optimization of the ratio between P(max) and A(p) represents a key factor of 200 m performance. Concerning the major role also played by f(opt), it is assumed that, considering high values of f 200, sprinters with a high value of optimal pedalling rate (i.e. lower f200-f(opt) difference) could be theoretically in better conditions to maximize their power output during the race and hence performance.

Aerobic power and peak power of elite America’s Cup sailors

“…The optimum velocity for maximum power output was 125 rpm, which is surprisingly similar to the ω opt during elite track cycling (~ 129 rpm (Dorel et al 2005;Gardner et al 2007)). The relatively short upper limbs and greater crank length of grinding compared to cycling (250 vs 170 mm (Dorel et al 2005)) would be expected to lead to a greater joint excursion during each revolution with grinding. Hence for a given crank velocity, considerably greater joint angular velocities would be expected with grinding compared to cycling.…”

“…This may have an important bearing on the selection of gear ratios and the optimisation of power production during big-boat sailing. During elite sprint cycling a polynomial power-velocity relationship has been described (Martin et al 1997;Dorel et al 2005;Gardner et al 2007), and contrary to the hyperbolic force-velocity relationship of isolated muscle (Wilkie 1949), the relationship between torque and velocity appears to be linear (Martin et al 1997;Dorel et al 2005;Gardner et al 2007;Sprague et al 2007). Similar results have been found during seated arm cranking (Vandewalle et al 1989;Vanderthommen et al 1997).…”

Riding against the wind: a review of competition cycling aerodynamics

“…When force coefficients are reported, the frontal area has been determined using a number of techniques that have been summarised by Debraux et al [28]. These methods usually involve photographs recorded from the frontal views of rider position that are analysed using digital image processing techniques or the weighing of photographs technique [29][30][31].…”

Understanding Sprint-Cycling Performance: The Integration of Muscle Power, Resistance, and Modeling

“…Calculating C D requires estimates of rider frontal area using photographic weighing, 43 digital photo analysis, 51,52 or morphometric parameterization. 46 Great care must be taken to minimize uncertainty in area measurement.…”