PDF herunterladen
Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(3): 244-250
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965353
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Cadence-Power-Relationship during Decisive Mountain Ascents at the Tour de France

S. Vogt1 , K. Roecker1 , Y. O. Schumacher1 , T. Pottgiesser1 , H.-H. Dickhuth1 , A. Schmid1 , L. Heinrich2
  • 1Department of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
  • 2Fachbereich Sportmedizin, Institut für Angewandte Trainingswissenschaft, Leipzig, Germany
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

accepted after revision February 16, 2007

Publikationsdatum:
13. September 2007 (online)

Auch verfügbar auf
    Lizenzen und Reprints

Abstract

The aim of the study was to report the relationship between cadence and power developed by professional cyclists during high mountain ascents of the Tour de France. From the 10 cyclists (30 ± 4 years, 178 ± 8 cm, 69 ± 6 kg) involved in the study, 108 ascents were recorded and analyzed using a mobile power measurement device (SRM Training Systems, Jülich, Germany). Based on topographic characteristics, the ascents were categorized into 1st and Hors Category (HC) climbs. During the ascents of the 1st Category climbs, power output averaged 312 ± 43 W (4.5 ± 0.6 W/kg) with a mean cadence of 73 ± 6 rpm and a mean duration of 37 : 41 ± 16 : 16 min. Power output averaged 294 ± 36 W (4.3 ± 0.6 W/kg) at a mean cadence of 70 ± 6 rpm during 57 : 40 ± 10 : 32 min on HC climbs. The maximal mean power for long durations (1800 s) showed a mean power output of 327 W and 346 W for the 1st and HC climbs, respectively. The evaluation of the cadence-power output and the distance per pedaling cycle-power output relationship shows that high power outputs are mainly yielded by higher pedaling cadences and higher gears.

Key words

SRM powermeter - pedaling rate - professional cycling - Grand Tours

References

  • 1 Argentin S, Hausswirth C, Bernard T, Bieuzen F, Leveque J M, Couturier A, Lepers R. Relation between preferred and optimal cadences during two hours of cycling in triathletes.  Br J Sports Med. 2006;  40 293-298
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 2 Boning D, Gonen Y, Maassen N. Relationship between work load, pedal frequency, and physical fitness.  Int J Sports Med. 1984;  5 92-97
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 3 Chavarren J, Calbet J A. Cycling efficiency and pedalling frequency in road cyclists.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1999;  80 555-563
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 4 Coast J R, Welch H G. Linear increase in optimal pedal rate with increased power output in cycle ergometry.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1985;  53 339-342
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 5 Coyle E F, Feltner M E, Kautz S A, Hamilton M T, Montain S J, Baylor A M, Abraham L D, Petrek G W. Physiological and biomechanical factors associated with elite endurance cycling performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1991;  23 93-107
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 6 Ebert T R, Martin D T, McDonald W, Victor J, Plummer J, Withers R T. Power output during women's World Cup road cycle racing.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005;  95 529-536
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 7 Fernandez-Garcia B, Perez-Landaluce J, Rodriguez-Alonso M, Terrados N. Intensity of exercise during road race pro-cycling competition.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;  32 1002-1006
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 8 Foss O, Hallen J. The most economical cadence increases with increasing workload.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2004;  92 443-451
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 9 Gardner A S, Stephens S, Martin D T, Lawton E, Lee H, Jenkins D. Accuracy of SRM and power tap power monitoring systems for bicycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 1252-1258
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 10 Gotshall R W, Bauer T A, Fahrner S L. Cycling cadence alters exercise hemodynamics.  Int J Sports Med. 1996;  17 17-21
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 11 Hagberg J M, Mullin J P, Giese M D, Spitznagel E. Effect of pedaling rate on submaximal exercise responses of competitive cyclists.  J Appl Physiol. 1981;  51 447-451
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 12 Kohler G, Boutellier U. The generalized force-velocity relationship explains why the preferred pedaling rate of cyclists exceeds the most efficient one.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005;  94 188-195
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 13 Lucia A, Earnest C, Arribas C. The Tour de France: a physiological review.  Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2003;  13 275-283
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 14 Lucia A, Hoyos J, Carvajal A, Chicharro J L. Heart rate response to professional road cycling: the Tour de France.  Int J Sports Med. 1999;  20 167-172
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 15 Lucia A, Hoyos J, Chicharro J L. Preferred pedalling cadence in professional cycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;  33 1361-1366
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 16 Lucia A, Joyos H, Chicharro J L. Physiological response to professional road cycling: climbers vs. time trialists.  Int J Sports Med. 2000;  21 505-512
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 17 Lucia A, San Juan A F, Montilla M, CaNete S, Santalla A, Earnest C, Perez M. In professional road cyclists, low pedaling cadences are less efficient.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 1048-1054
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 18 Marsh A P, Martin P E. Effect of cycling experience, aerobic power, and power output on preferred and most economical cycling cadences.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997;  29 1225-1232
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 19 Marsh A P, Martin P E, Foley K O. Effect of cadence, cycling experience, and aerobic power on delta efficiency during cycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;  32 1630-1634
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 20 Martin D T, McLean B, Trewin C, Lee H, Victor J, Hahn A G. Physiological characteristics of nationally competitive female road cyclists and demands of competition.  Sports Med. 2001;  31 469-477
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 21 McNaughton L, Thomas D. Effects of differing pedalling speeds on the power-duration relationship of high intensity cycle ergometry.  Int J Sports Med. 1996;  17 287-292
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 22 Mora-Rodriguez R, Aguado-Jimenez R. Performance at high pedaling cadences in well-trained cyclists.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;  38 953-957
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 23 Padilla S, Mujika I, Cuesta G, Goiriena J J. Level ground and uphill cycling ability in professional road cycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;  31 878-885
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 24 Padilla S, Mujika I, Orbananos J, Santisteban J, Angulo F, Jose Goiriena J. Exercise intensity and load during mass-start stage races in professional road cycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;  33 796-802
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 25 Pierre S, Nicolas H, Frederique H. Interactions between cadence and power output effects on mechanical efficiency during sub maximal cycling exercises.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;  97 133-139
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 26 Rodriguez-Marroyo J A, Garcia Lopez J, Avila C, Jimenez F, Cordova A, Villa Vicente J G. Intensity of exercise according to topography in professional cyclists.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 1209-1215
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 27 Stapelfeldt B, Schwirtz A, Schumacher Y O, Hillebrecht M. Workload demands in mountain bike racing.  Int J Sports Med. 2004;  25 294-300
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 28 Swain D P. The influence of body mass in endurance bicycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1994;  26 58-63
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 29 Takaishi T, Sugiura T, Katayama K, Sato Y, Shima N, Yamamoto T, Moritani T. Changes in blood volume and oxygenation level in a working muscle during a crank cycle.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;  34 520-528
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 30 Vogt S, Heinrich L, Schumacher Y O, Blum A, Roecker K, Dickhuth H H, Schmid A. Power output during stage racing in professional road cycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;  38 147-151
    CrossrefPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 31 Vogt S, Heinrich L, Schumacher Y O, Grosshauser M, Blum A, Konig D, Berg A, Schmid A. Energy intake and energy expenditure of elite cyclists during preseason training.  Int J Sports Med. 2005;  26 701-706
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSuche in Google Scholar
  • 32 Vogt S, Schumacher Y O, Roecker K, Dickhuth H H, Schoberer U, Schmid A, Heinrich L. Power output during the Tour de France.  Int J Sports Med. 2007;  DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-964982
    PubMedSuche in Google Scholar

Dr., MD Stefan Vogt

Department of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine
University of Freiburg

Hugstetter Strasse 55

79106 Freiburg

Germany

Telefon: + 49 76 12 70 74 55

Fax: + 49 76 12 70 74 70

eMail: stefan.vogt@uniklinik-freiburg.de