Introduction: Cyclo-cross athletes can choose to cycle or carry their bike and run. Training, therefore, can be focused on biking and/or running. The aim was to determine anthropometric and physiological characteristics in professional cyclo-cross athletes and to investigate differences between the results of an exercise test on a cycle and a treadmill ergometer. Methods: Anthropometric parameters were analyzed in six elite (age 25±3 y) and five U23 (age 19±1 y) professional cyclo-cross athletes following the ISAK guidelines. They performed maximal exercise tests on a cycle ergometer and a treadmill with ergospirometric and blood lactate assessments, in the beginning and at the end of the season. Results: The mean somatotype was mesomorph-ectomorph. The somatotype components were 3.40±0.56 (mesomorphy), 3.50±0.76 (ectomorphy) and 1.50±0.35 (endomorphy). Relative body fatness was similar between elite and U23 riders (4.19 ±0.66 vs 6.02 ±1.60 %BF (p=0.082) resp.). Maximal ventilation, VO2peak and maximal lactate during cycle ergometry were higher compared to the treadmill tests (128.80±19.81 vs 119.53±14.70 l/min (p=0.05), 70.06±8.15 vs 64.92±8.89 ml/min/kg (p=0.041) and 7.92±2.28 vs 5.72±1.23 mmol/l (p=0.001) resp.). A significant increase in load and VO2 at the 2 mmol lactate threshold towards the end of the season was observed. Although absolute maximal load remained unchanged (376 Watt), maximal load per kilogram bodyweight was significantly increased towards the end of the season (5.66±0.53 W/kg vs 5.70±0.53 W/kg; p=0.017). Discussion: Professional cyclo-cross athletes have a mesomorphic - ectomorph somatotype profile and a low fat mass. Results of a maximal exercise test on a treadmill are significantly lower compared to the results on a cycle ergometer in cyclo-cross athletes.
© Copyright 2016 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vienna, 6. -9. July 2016. Julkaistu Tekijä University of Vienna. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään. / Kääntänyt https://www.DeepL.com/Translator