Bicycle racing

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an aerodynamic racing posture on the work of breathing during cycling. Nine moderately trained cyclists performed three maximal exercise tests on a cycle ergometer using three different commonly used riding positions. The positions used were vertical (V) with back upright and perpendicular to the ground, horizontal (H) with the upper third of the back parallel to the ground and elbows on the "aero-bars," and with hands on the drop bars and back at a 45-degree angle to the ground (45). Total work of breathing (WOB), oxygen consumption (VO$\sb2$), tidal volume (V$\sb{\rm T}$), minute ventilation (V$\sb{\rm E}$), and breathing frequency (f) were measured. There were no significant differences in WOB, VO$\sb2$, V$\sb{\rm T}$ V$\sb{\rm E}$, or f between any position at 70% of maximal exercise or at maximal exercise. Therefore, an aerodynamic posture is not associated with an increased work of breathing in cyclists.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cadence on time trial performance in novice female cyclists. Ten novice female cyclists volunteered to participate in this study. Participants performed 3 sessions: one VO2 peak and two time trials (TT). Cadence was randomly selected and fixed for each TT (60 or 100 rpm) while power output (PO) was adjusted by the participant, as tolerated. Finish time, HR, blood lactate, PO, VO2, and RPE were measured throughout the time trials. The major finding of this study was the significantly faster (p<0.05) finish time (minutes) during the 60 rpm condition (34:23) versus the 100 rpm condition (37:34). Also the 60 rpm TT resulted in significant (p<0.05) differences for HR (155.9 vs 161.2 bpm), gross efficiency (21.1% vs 17.7%), and PO (147 vs 129 watts). These results indicate that novice female cyclists benefit from adopting a low cadence during an 8k TT.