Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(3): 191-197
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-45259
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Physiological Responses to Running After Cycling in Elite Junior and Senior Triathletes

G. P. Millet1 , D. J. Bentley2
  • 1Laboratoire “Sport, Performance, Santé”, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Montpellier, France
  • 2Department of Medical Physiology, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: June 30, 2003

Publication Date:
15 April 2004 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the physiological responses in cycling and the energy cost (EC) of running after cycling in elite junior (Jmale and Jfemale) and senior (Smale and Sfemale) triathletes and to determine the relationship between laboratory physiological parameters and performance in an elite “standard” distance triathlon. Thirty-one elite triathletes competing at World Championship level (age: 23.4 ± 4.8 y; height: 172.6 ± 6.8 cm; body mass: 64.4 ± 7.2 kg; V·O2max = 67.8 ± 8.3 ml × kg-1 × min-1) comprising Jmale (n = 7), Jfemale (n = 6), Smale (n = 9) and Sfemale (n = 9) athletes performed a laboratory trial that consisted of submaximal treadmill running (to determine EC), maximal then submaximal cycle ergometry (to determine the peak power output [PPO], V·O2max, the ventilation threshold [VT] and cycling economy) followed by an additional submaximal running bout. Swimming, cycling, running and overall race performance (min) over a standard event was also measured in the field. Smale had a faster cycle, run and overall triathlon times than Jmale. Sfemale demonstrated a faster cycle and overall triathlon time than Jfemale. The V·O2max (74.7 ± 5.7 vs. 74.3 ± 4.4 and 60.1 ± 1.8 vs. 61.0 ± 5.0 ml × kg-1 × min-1) and cycling economy (72.5 ± 4.5 vs. 73.8 ± 4.3 and 75.6 ± 4.5 vs. 79.8 ± 9.8 W × l-1 × min-1) were similar between the junior and senior, in both male and female triathletes. However, Sfemale possessed a significantly higher PPO than Jfemale. Smale had a higher VT (%V·O2max) than Jmale whereas the VT was similar in Jfemale and Sfemale. There were no significant differences in EC change from the first to the second running bout between Jmale and Smale, whereas, in contrast, Jfemale exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) higher difference in EC than Sfemale. When all subjects were pooled, the overall triathlon time (min) was significantly correlated to V·O2max (r = -0.80; p < 0.001) and PPO (W) (r = -0.85; p < 0.001) in cycle ergometry. In conclusion, elite senior triathletes can be distinguished from their younger (junior) counterparts, mainly by a higher PPO in cycling and a lower increase in the whole body energy cost of running after cycling in female and by a higher ventilatory threshold in male triathletes.

Key words

Energy cost - maximal oxygen consumption - peak power output - triathlon - performance

References

  • 1 Basset F A, Boulay M R. Specificity of treadmill and cycle ergometer tests in triathletes, runners and cyclists.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;  81 214-221
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Bassett DR Jr, Howley ET. Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake and determinants of endurance performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;  32 70-84
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 3 Bentley D J, Millet G P, Vleck V E, McNaughton L R. Specific aspects of contemporary triathlon: implications for physiological analysis and performance.  Sports Med. 2002;  32 345-359
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Billat V L, Demarle A, Slawinski J, Paiva M, Koralsztein J P. Physical and training characteristics of top-class marathon runners.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;  33 2089-2097
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Bunc V, Heller J. Ventilatory threshold in young and adult female athletes.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1993;  33 233-238
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Bunc V, Heller J, Horcic J, Novotny J. Physiological profile of best Czech male and female young triathletes.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1996;  36 265-270
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Chicharro J L, Hoyos J, Lucia A. Effects of endurance training on the isocapnic buffering and hypocapnic hyperventilation phases in professional cyclists.  Br J Sports Med. 2000;  34 450-455
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Coyle E F. Integration of the physiological factors determining endurance performance ability.  Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 1995;  23 25-63
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 9 Davis J A. Anaerobic threshold: review of the concept and directions for future research.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1985;  17 6-21
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 de Vito G, Bernardi M, Sproviero E, Figura F. Decrease of endurance performance during Olympic Triathlon.  Int J Sports Med. 1995;  16 24-28
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Dengel D R, Flynn M G, Costill D L, Kirwan J P. Determinants of success during triathlon competition.  Res Q Exerc Sport. 1989;  60 234-238
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 12 Durnin J V, Rahaman M M. The assessment of the amount of fat in the human body from measurements of skinfold thickness.  Brit J Nutr. 1967;  21 681-689
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Hausswirth C, Lehenaff D, Dreano P, Savonen K. Effects of cycling alone or in a sheltered position on subsequent running performance during a triathlon.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;  31 599-604
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 14 Hawley J A, Noakes T D. Peak power output predicts maximal oxygen uptake and performance time in trained cyclists.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1992;  65 79-83
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 15 Holly R G, Barnard R J, Rosenthal M, Applegate E, Pritikin N. Triathlete characterization and response to prolonged strenuous competition.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1986;  18 123-127
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 16 Hopkins S R, McKenzie D C. The laboratory assessment of endurance performance in cyclists.  Can J Appl Physiol. 1994;  19 266-274
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 17 Hue O, Le Gallais D, Chollet D, Boussana A, Prefaut C. The influence of prior cycling on biomechanical and cardiorespiratory response profiles during running in triathletes.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1998;  77 98-105
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 18 Hue O, Le Gallais D, Chollet D, Prefaut C. Ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake in present triathletes.  Can J Appl Physiol. 2000;  25 102-113
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 19 Hue O, Valluet A, Blonc S, Hertogh C. Effects of multicycle-run training on triathlete performance.  Res Q Exerc Sport. 2002;  73 289-295
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 20 Kohrt W M, O’Connor J S, Skinner J S. Longitudinal assessment of responses by triathletes to swimming, cycling, and running.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1989;  21 569-575
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 21 Landers G J, Blanksby B A, Ackland T R, Smith D. Morphology and performance of world championship triathletes.  Ann Hum Biol. 2000;  27 387-400
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 22 Loftin M, Warren B. Comparison of a simulated 16.1-km time trial, V·O2max and related factors in cyclists with different ventilatory thresholds.  Int J Sports Med. 1994;  15 498-503
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 23 Lucia A, Pardo J, Durantez A, Hoyos J, Chicharro J L. Physiological differences between professional and elite road cyclists.  Int J Sports Med. 1998;  19 342-348
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 24 Lucia A, Hoyos J, Chicharro J L. Physiology of professional road cycling.  Sports Med. 2001;  31 325-337
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 25 Medbo J I, Mohn A C, Tabata I, Bahr R, Vaage O, Sejersted O M. Anaerobic capacity determined by maximal accumulated V·O2 deficit.  J Appl Physiol. 1988;  64 50-60
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 26 Mero A, Jaakkola L, Komi P V. Serum hormones and physical performance capacity in young boy athletes during a 1-year training period.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1990;  60 32-37
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 27 Millet G P, Millet G Y, Hofmann M D, Candau R B. Alterations in running economy and mechanics after maximal cycling in triathletes: influence of performance level.  Int J Sports Med. 2000;  21 127-132
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 28 Millet G P, Vleck V E. Physiological and biomechanical adaptations to the cycle to run transition in Olympic triathlon: review and practical recommendations for training.  Br J Sports Med. 2000;  34 384-390
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 29 Millet G, Dreano P, Bentley D. Physiological characteristics of elite short and long distance triathletes.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2003;  88 427-430
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 30 Miura H, Kitagawa K, Ishiko T. Economy during a simulated laboratory test triathlon is highly related to Olympic distance triathlon.  Int J Sports Med. 1997;  18 276-280
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 31 Miura H, Kitagawa K, Ishiko T. Characteristic feature of oxygen cost at simulated laboratory triathlon test in trained triathletes.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1999;  39 101-106
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 32 Moseley L, Jeukendrup A E. The reliability of cycling efficiency.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;  33 621-627
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 33 O’Toole M L, Hiller D B, Crosby L O, Douglas P S. The ultraendurance triathlete: a physiological profile.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1987;  19 45-50
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 34 Schabort E J, Killian S C, St Clair Gibson A, Hawley J A, Noakes T D. Prediction of triathlon race time from laboratory testing in national triathletes.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;  32 844-849
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 35 Schneider D A, Lacroix K A, Atkinson G R, Troped P J, Pollack J. Ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake during cycling and running in triathletes.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990;  22 257-264
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 36 Scrimgeour A G, Noakes T D, Adams B, Myburgh K. The influence of weekly training distance on fractional utilization of maximum aerobic capacity in marathon and ultramarathon runners.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1986;  55 202-209
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 37 Sleivert G G, Wenger H A. Physiological predictors of short-course triathlon performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1993;  25 871-876
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 38 Sleivert G G, Rowlands D S. Physical and physiological factors associated with success in the triathlon.  Sports Med. 1996;  22 8-18
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 39 Zhou S, Robson S J, King M J, Davie A J. Correlations between short-course triathlon performance and physiological variables determined in laboratory cycle and treadmill tests.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1997;  37 122-130
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar

G. Millet

Laboratoire “Sport, Performance, Santé” · Faculté des Sciences du Sport

700 Avenue du pic Saint Loup · 34090 Montpellier · France

Phone: +33 467 415 749

Fax: +33 467 415 708

Email: g.millet@univ-montp1.fr