Competitive demands during international sprint-distance triathlon races according to the course type: The influence of cycling on subsequent running performance.

Abstract

Background: Despite the great contribution of the cycling segment to the Sprint-Distance Triathlon (SDT) races, very few studies have reported the power output of elite triathletes during races. The aim of this study was to analyse the competitive demands of elite triathletes during the cycling segment of SDT races and their influence on the subsequent running segment performance, considering the different types of race courses.

Methods: Power variables during the cycling segment as well as the running performance metrics during 82 SDT races organised by World Triathlon (68 Continental Cups and Championships, 12 World Cups, and 2 World Triathlon Series) were analysed in 10 male and 7 female U23 participants.

Results: The number of power peaks above 800 W and 1000 W for males was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the technical courses (23 ± 13 and 5 ± 6 peaks, respectively) compared to the rolling courses (10 ± 6 and 2 ± 2 peaks, respectively). Similarly, females presented more (p < 0.05) power peaks above 500 W in the technical courses (24 ± 9 peaks) than in the rolling courses (14 ± 7 peaks). Additionally, the percentage of race time in severe power bands increased from rolling to technical courses in both sexes (males 21 ± 1% to 24 ± 2% and females 12 ± 1% to 15 ± 1%, both p < 0.05). Males spent a greater percentage of race time in the moderate (< 2 W·kg⁻¹) and severe (> 6 W·kg⁻¹) power bands, but a lower percentage in the heavy (2-6 W·kg⁻¹) band compared to females (p < 0.05). Time spent in the heavy (200-400 W) and severe (> 400 W) power bands showed a strong correlation with running rankings for males on both rolling (r = 0.62) and technical (r = 0.55) courses, as well as for females on rolling courses (r = 0.52).

Conclusions: An increased number of corners in SDT cycling courses requires more focused training on repeated power peaks and spending more time in the > 6 W·kg⁻¹ power bands to minimize performance losses in the subsequent running segment.