Energetics of Indoor Track Cycling in Trained Competitors

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Abstract
Steady-state track VO2 was estimated by means of the retroex-trapolation method in seventeen competitive male cyclists at speeds ranging from 28 to 43 km·h-1. Peak VO2 was also determined using an ergocycle multistage test (80 rev·min-1). Results showed large VO2 variations at similar speeds on the track (SEE > 10%Y; n = 17). Third degree regressions were the most accurate to describe the evolution of VO2 with speed, while the units ml·kg-0.667·min-1 showed better correlations and lower dispersions than I·min-1, ml.kg-1·min-1, and I·min-1·m-2. When categorized according to the Québec Cycling Federation ranking, (elites: n = 6; nonelites: n = 11), the elites tended to demonstrate a lower mean VO2 for the range of velocities studied. The difference was, however, not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Inte-rindividual variations were reduced by expressing VO2 and speed as relative percentages of maximal values in ten subjects:% MAP = 6.475 e exp [0.0274% MAS] where% MAP = track VO2/laboratory peak VO2, and%MAS = speed/speed associated with peak VO2 on the track. No significant difference was observed between track and ergocycle peak VO2 (P > 0.05), indicating the validity of the 80 rev.min-1 protocol for laboratory evaluation of racing cyclists. The concept of cycling economy as a contributing factor to performance and applications of the% MAP -% MAS relationship are discussed.