Paper on pacing the Kilo and Pursuit

An analysis of the pacing strategies adopted by elite athletes during track cycling

Jo Corbett, In Press, Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance.

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate pacing strategy during the 1 km time trial (TT) and 3 and 4 km individual pursuit (IP), in elite cyclists. Methods: Total times and intermediate times were obtained from the 2007 and 2008 cycling World Championships in the 1 km TT and 2006, 2007 and 2008 World Championships in the 3 and 4 km IP. Data were analysed to examine the pacing-profiles employed and pacing strategies of ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ performances. Results: Similar pacing-profiles were evident in each event, which were characterised by an initial acceleration followed by a progressive decay in split times. In the 1 km TT, the first 250 m split time was a primary determinant of total time, whereas the rate of fatigue over the remainder of the race did not discriminate between performances. The first 250 m split time was also related to total time in the 3 and 4 km IP, although to a lesser extent than in the 1 km TT, whereas the ability to maintain a consistent pacing-profile was of increased importance. There were differences in the pacing strategies of ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ performances in the 3 and 4 km IP, with ‘slow’ performances characterised by an overly quick start with a concomitant slowing at the finish. Conclusion: The pacing profiles adopted were similar to the optimal pacing strategies proposed in simulation models of cycling performance. However, in the 3 km and 4 km IP small alterations in pacing strategy appear to be important, at the elite level.

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Hamish Ferguson: Cycling Coach
http://hamishferguson.blogspot.com/