Influence of the Position on the Bicycle on the Frontal Area in Road Cyclists

The aims of the present study were to determine whether the estimations of the frontal area of the combined cyclist-bicycle (APCB) obtained with the Heil’s non-logarithmic prediction equations (NPE) in the stem position (SP), brake hoods position (BHP) and drops position (DP) are comparable to the measured APCB with the computerized planimetry (CP) method, and to analyse with the CPmethod and the NPE the influence of the body position on the APCB. Nineteen participants competing in the Spanish Road Cycling First division took part in the study. The NPE overestimated the APCB in the BHP and in the DP compared with the measured APCB with the CP method (6.9% and 5.1%, respectively; p<0.05). Significant differences among the three positions were obtained with the CP method. The overestimation of the APCB with the NPE in the BHP and in the DP, and the less sensitivity of the NPE to show significant differences between the SP and DP suggest that the NPE are not appropriate to accurately predict the APCB

Effects of long-term training cessation in young top-level road cyclists

In cycling it is common practice to have a break in the off-season longer than four weeks whilst adopting an almost sedentary lifestyle, and such a break is considered to be long-term detraining. No previous studies have assessed the effect of training cessation with highly-trained young cyclists. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine effects of five weeks of training cessation in 10 young (20.1±1.4yr) male road cyclists for body composition, haematological, and physiological parameters. After training cessation body mass of cyclists increased (P=0.014; ES=0.9). (L·min-1=-8.8±5.0%, mL·kg-1·min-1=-10.8±4.2%,), Wmax (W=-6.5±3.1%, W·kg-1=-8.5±3.3%,), WLT1 (W=-12.9±7.0%, W·kg-1=-14.8±7.4%,), WLT2 (W=-11.5±7.0%, W·kg-1=-13.4±7.6%,) and haematological (red blood cells count, -6.6±4.8%; Haemoglobin, -5.4±4.3% and Haematocrit, -2.9±3.0%) values decreased (P ≤0.028; ES ≥0.9). Five weeks of training cessation resulted in large decreases in physiological and haematological values in young top-level road cyclists suggesting the need for a shorter training stoppage. This long-term detraining is more pronounced when expressed relative to body mass emphasizing the influence of such body mass on power output. A maintenance program based on reduced training strategies should be implemented to avoid large declines in physiological values in young cyclists who aspire to become professionals