Effect of an increase in volume and intensity of training in elite, female master (>40 yr) cyclists

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), lactate threshold (LT), and 13.5 km bicycle time trial performance in elite, female master (>40 yr) cyclists during the course of a 6 month training season. Five elite, female cyclists (mean age = 47 yr), and five age‐matched recreational cyclists served as subjects for the study. VO2 max, LT, and 13.5 km bicycle time were measured at the end of the off‐season (December) and again following 6 months of intensified training. During the off‐season, the master cyclists averaged 160 km a week of moderate (HR 160 bpm) interval training. The results showed that the 13.5 km bicycle time significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from a mean of 1406 sec to 1316 sec in the master cyclists during the course of the competitiv...