No Differences in Cycling Efficiency Between World-Class and Recreational Cyclists

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to compare the efficiency of elite cyclists with that of trained and recreational cyclists. Male subjects (N = 69) performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion on an electrically braked cycle ergometer. Cadence was maintained between 80 - 90 rpm. Energy expenditure was estimated from measures of oxygen uptake (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production (VCO₂) using stoichiometric equations. Subjects (age 26 ± 7 yr, body mass 74.0 ± 6.3 kg, Wpeak 359 ± 40 W and VO₂peak 62.3 ± 7.0 mL/kg/min) were divided into 3 groups on the basis of their VO₂peak (< 60.0 (Low, N = 26), 60 - 70 (Med, N = 27) and > 70 (High, N = 16) mL/kg/min). All data are mean ± SE. Despite the wide range in aerobic capacities gross efficiency (GE) at 165 W (GE₁₆₅), GE at the same relative intensity (GE_final), delta efficiency (DE) and economy (EC) were similar between all groups. Mean GE₁₆₅ was 18.6 ± 0.3 %, 18.8 ± 0.4 % and 17.9 ± 0.3 % while mean DE was 22.4 ± 0.4 %, 21.6 ± 0.4 % and 21.2 ± 0.5 % (for Low, Medium and High, respectively). There was no correlation between GE₁₆₅, GE_final, DE or EC and VO₂peak. Based on these data, we conclude that there are no differences in efficiency and economy between elite cyclists and recreational level cyclists.

Key words

Gross efficiency - delta efficiency - economy - VO₂peak

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