Impact of Altitude on Power Output during Cycling Stage Racing

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143028
• Publication Date: 2015-12-02T19:23:21Z
• Authors: Laura A Garvican-...; Bradley Clark; David T. Martin; Yorck Olaf Schuma...; Warren McDonald; Brian Stephens; Fuhai Ma; Kevin G. Thompson; Christopher J. Gore; Paolo Menaspà
• Keywords: Cadence; Cycling

Purpose The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects moderate-high altitude on power output, cadence, speed and heart rate during a multi-day cycling tour. Methods Power rate, cadence were collected from elite male road cyclists maximal efforts 5, 15, 30, 60, 240 600 s. completed in laboratory power-profile assessment, spontaneously race simulation near sea-level an international at altitude. Matched data highest mean output (MMP) corresponding recorded compared using paired t-tests. Additionally, all MMP speeds rates binned per 1000m (<1000m, 1000–2000, 2000–3000 >3000m) according average each ride. Mixed linear modelling used compare performance bin. Results similar between simulation, however MMPs for 5–600 s lower (p ≤ 0.005) with respectively. Furthermore, peak (≥ 11.7%, p 0.001) while racing >3000 m rides sea-level. However, associated 60 greater < Conclusion A reduction oxygen availability as increases leads attenuation competition. Decrement does not seem affect which tended be higher altitudes.