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Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(4): 294-300
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-819937
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Workload Demands in Mountain Bike Racing

B. Stapelfeldt1 , A. Schwirtz2 , Y. O. Schumacher3 , M. Hillebrecht4
  • 1Institute of Sports Science, University of Freiburg, Germany
  • 2Faculty of Sport Science, Technical University of Munich, Germany
  • 3Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
  • 4University of Oldenburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: June 25, 2003

Publication Date:
26 May 2004 (online)

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Abstract

This study aims at describing the workload demands during mountain bike races using direct power measurements, and to compare these data to power output and physiological findings from laboratory exercise tests. Power output (P, Watt) from 11 national team cyclists (9 male, 2 female) was registered continuously during 15 races using mobile crank dynamometers (SRM System). To evaluate the intensity of racing, incremental exercise tests with determination of P at aerobic and anaerobic thresholds (AT, IAT) and at exhaustion (MAX) were performed. Intensity zones were determined (zone 1 < AT; AT < zone 2 < IAT; IAT < zone 3 < MAX; zone 4 > MAX) and time spent during racing in these zones was calculated. Based on power output measurements P during racing was 246 ± 12 W (male) and 193 ± 1 W (female). P showed high variation throughout the race. In contrast heart rate (HR) was relatively stable during racing (male 177 ± 6 bpm, female 172 ± 7 bpm). 39 ± 6 % of race time were spent in zone 1, 19 ± 6 % in zone 2, 20 ± 3 % in zone 3 and 22 ± 6 % in zone 4. MTB races are characterized by a high oscillation in P with permanently elevated HR. A highly developed aerobic and anaerobic system is needed to sustain the high variation in workload.

Key words

Cycling - mountain bike - power - heart rate

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B. Stapelfeldt, PhD

Institut für Sportwissenschaft

Universität Freiburg · Schwarzwaldstraße 175 · 79117 Freiburg · Germany

Phone: +49 761 2034521

Fax: +49 761 2034534

Email: bs@sport.uni-freiburg.de