Aerobic and Anaerobic Power Characteristics of Competitive Cyclists in the United States Cycling Federation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterize the aerobic and anaerobic capabilities of United States Cycling Federation cyclists in different categories. To determine aerobic and anaerobic power, 38 competitive road cyclists (32 males, 6 females) performed a V̇O₂max test and a Wingate anaerobic test, respectively. Male cyclists in category II had the highest V̇O₂max, both in absolute and relative terms. Their V̇O₂max was 6% and 10% higher than category III and IV cyclists, respectively (4.98±0.14 vs 4.72±0.15 vs 4.54±0.12l/min). A significant difference existed between category II and IV male cyclists (p<0.05). V̇O₂max for female cyclists (3.37±0.13l/min) was significantly (p<0.05) lower than those for males. The Wingate anaerobic test revealed that male cyclists in category II also had the highest anaerobic power output. The peak power output in category II, III and IV was 13.86±0.23, 13.55±0.25, and 12.80±0.41 W/kg, respectively. The mean power output in category II, III, and IV was 11.22±0.18, 11.06±0.15, and 10.40±0.30 W/kg, respectively. The difference in the mean power output between category II and IV was significant (p<0.05). Female cyclists recorded significantly less peak and mean power output than their male counterparts (p<0.05). However, when expressed relative to lean body mass, anaerobic power was similar for both sexes. No inter-correlation was found in any measurement betweeen the aerobic and anaerobic power values. On the whole, category II male cyclists were characterized by higher aerobic and anaerobic power outputs. These results suggest that both aerobic and anaerobic power may be important determinants for competitive cycling performance.

Key words

Competitive cyclists - maximal oxygen consumption - Wingate anaerobic test - peak power output - mean power output