Energy Demands during Maximal Sprint Cycling in Youth Cyclists

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine all different energy systems contribution during the maximal sprint cycling in youth cyclists. METHODS Fifteen male and female youth cyclists participated in this study. A simulated maximal 10 sec maximal sprint cycling was carried out. During maximal sprint cycling, energy contribution (phosphagen, WPCR; glycolytic, WLa -; oxidative system WOXI in kJ and %), maximal lactate production rate (VLamax), difference of lactate (ΔLa-), highest lactate (Peak La-), peak power (Wpeak) and anaerobicalactic time (tAlac) were analyzed using off VO2 kinetics, trapezoidal method, O2-lactate equivalent, and caloric quotient. RESULTS During the maximal sprint cycling, WPCR was significantly higher than WLa - and WOXI (p=.008; d: 0.98, p<.001; d: 2.79, respectively). Also, WLa - was significantly higher than WOXI (p<.001; d: 2.56). Additionally, low negative and moderate positive correlations were observed between tAlac, Wpeak and WPCR in kJ (r=.43, r=.63, respectively). Furthermore, high and moderate positive correlations were calculated for ΔLa-, Peak La-, VLamax and WLa - (r=.91, r=.86, r=.68, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Phosphagen and glycolytic energy systems were predominantly used during maximal sprint cycling. Therefore, physical training program for cycling athletes should be directed to the development of anaerobic metabolism because anaerobic performance is crucial during the short term cycling sprint phase.

Keywords

• maximal lactate production rate
• phosphagen system
• anaerobic-alactic time
• glycolytic energy