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.
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.
