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article 2025 13 pages

Physiological determinants and energy system contribution in short- and middle-distance cycling performance

Lars Erik Gjerløw, Eva Maria Støa, Jan Helgerud, Jan-Michael Johansen, Øyvind Støren

Journal
European Journal of Applied Physiology
DOI
10.1007/s00421-025-06049-w
Publication type
Original Research
Study type
cross-sectional study
Population
male cyclists
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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy release on cycling performance in 10 to 180 s.

Methods

18 male cyclists from recreational- to elite level participated in this cross-sectional study. The cyclists were tested in oxygen cost of cycling (C), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), maximal sprint power (MSP), and five short time trials (TT): 10 s (10TT), 30 s (30TT), 60 s (60TT), 120 s (120TT) and 180 s (180TT). In all time trials, VO2, maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and blood lactate concentration ([La−]b) were measured.

Results

On average, there was a 50–50% distribution of anaerobic and aerobic energy release at 73 s and at 180TT the distribution was 71% aerobic and 29% anaerobic. When performance was expressed in absolute watt values, strong correlations were found between 180TT and MSP (r = 0.85, p 

Description

This study examines energy contributions in cycling performance across various time trials.