Physiological Characteristics of Competitive Male Junior Cyclists Transitioning to the Under-23 Level: A Retrospective Comparative Study

in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Click name to view affiliation

Matthias Hovorka Training and Sports Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Center for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Matthias Hovorka in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2181-4623
,
Peter Leo Division of Performance Physiology & Prevention, Department of Sports Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria

Search for other papers by Peter Leo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4501-7688
,
Dieter Simon Training and Sports Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria

Search for other papers by Dieter Simon in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Clemens Rumpl Training and Sports Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria

Search for other papers by Clemens Rumpl in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Alfred Nimmerichter Training and Sports Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Center for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Alfred Nimmerichter in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8275-2166 *
Restricted access

Purpose: The purpose of the current investigation was to retrospectively assess possible differences in physiological performance characteristics between junior cyclists signing a contract with an under-23 (U23) development team versus those failing to sign such a contract. Methods: Twenty-five male junior cyclists (age: 18.1 [0.7] y, stature: 181.9 [6.0] cm, body mass: 69.1 [7.9] kg, peak oxygen uptake: 71.3 [6.2] mL·min−1·kg−1) were assigned to this investigation. Between September and October of the last year in the junior category, each cyclist performed a ramp incremental exercise test to determine certain physiological performance characteristics. Subsequently, participants were divided in 2 groups: (1) those signing a contract with a U23 development team (JUNIORU23) and (2) those failing to sign such a contract (JUNIORNON-U23). Unpaired t tests were used to assess possible between-groups differences in physiological performance characteristics. The level of statistical significance was set at P < .05 two tailed. Results: No significant between-groups differences in submaximal (ie, gas exchange threshold, respiratory compensation point) and maximal physiological performance characteristics (ie, peak work rate, peak oxygen uptake) expressed in absolute values (ie, L·min−1, W) were observed (P > .05). However, significant between-groups differences were observed when physiological performance characteristics were expressed relative to the cyclists’ body weights (P < .05). Conclusions: The current investigation showed that junior cyclists stepping up to a U23 development team might be retrospectively differentiated from junior cyclists not stepping up based on certain physiological performance characteristics, which might inform practitioners and/or federations working with young cyclists during the long-term athletic development process.

  • Collapse
  • Expand
  • 1.

    Gallo G, Mostaert M, Faelli E, et al. Do race results in youth competitions predict future success as a road cyclist? A retrospective study in the Italian cycling federation. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2022;17(4):621626. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2021-0297

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Mostaert M, Vansteenkiste P, Pion J, Deconinck FJA, Lenoir M. The importance of performance in youth competitions as an indicator of future success in cycling. Eur J Sport Sci. 2022;22(4):481490. doi:10.1080/17461391.2021.1877359

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Schumacher YO, Mroz R, Mueller P, Schmid A, Ruecker G. Success in elite cycling: a prospective and retrospective analysis of race results. J Sports Sci. 2006;24(11):11491156. doi:10.1080/02640410500457299

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    Svendsen IS, Tønnesen E, Tjelta LI, Ørn S. Training, performance, and physiological predictors of a successful elite senior career in junior competitive road cyclists. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2018;13(10):12871292. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2017-0824

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Menaspà P, Sassi A, Impellizzeri FM. Aerobic fitness variables do not predict the professional career of young cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42(4):805812. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181ba99bc

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Fornasiero A, Savoldelli A, Modena R, Boccia G, Pellegrini B, Schena F. Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of top-level youth cross-country cyclists. J Sports Sci. 2018;36(8):901906. doi:10.1080/02640414.2017.1346271

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7.

    Menaspà P, Rampinini E, Bosio A, Carlomagno D, Riggio M, Sassi A. Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of junior cyclists of different specialties and performance levels. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2012;22(3):392398. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01168.x

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Pérez-Landaluce J, Fernández-García B, Rodríguez-Alonso M, et al. Physiological differences and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in professional, amateur and young cyclists. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2002;42(4):389395. PubMed ID: 12391431

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Rodríguez-Marroyo JA, Pernía R, Cejuela R, García-López J, Llopis J, Villa JG. Exercise intensity and load during different races in youth and junior cyclists. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25(2):511519. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181bf4426

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Alejo LB, Montalvo-Pérez A, Valenzuela PL, et al. Comparative analysis of endurance, strength and body composition indicators in professional, under-23 and junior cyclists. Front Physiol. 2022;13:552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2022.945552

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Leo P, Simon D, Hovorka M, Lawley J, Mujika I. Elite versus non-elite cyclist—Stepping up to the international/elite ranks from U23 cycling. J Sports Sci. 2022;40(16):18741884. doi:10.1080/02640414.2022.2117394

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    Beaver WL, Wasserman K, Whipp BJ. A new method for detecting anaerobic threshold by gas exchange. J Appl Physiol. 1986;60(6):20202027. doi:10.1152/jappl.1986.60.6.2020

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Whipp BJ, Davis JA, Wasserman K. Ventilatory control of the ‘isocapnic buffering’ region in rapidly-incremental exercise. Respir Physiol. 1989;76(3):357367. doi:10.1016/0034-5687(89)90076-5

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Gallo G, Leo P, March MM, et al. Differences in training characteristics between junior, under 23 and professional cyclists. Int J Sports Med. 2022;43(14):11831189. doi:10.1055/a-1847-5414

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Gallo G, Mateo-March M, Leo P, et al. Power road-derived physical performance parameters in junior, under-23, and professional road cycling climbers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2022;17(7):10941102. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2021-0554

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    Lamberts RP, van Erp T. Monitoring progress in professional cycling: from submaximal testing to the use of field data. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2021;16(5):611. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2021-0138

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 17.

    Leo P, Mateo-March M, Valenzuela PL, et al. Influence of torque and cadence on power output production in cyclists. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2023;18(1):2736. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2022-0233

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    Leo P, Spragg J, Mujika I, et al. Power profiling, workload characteristics, and race performance of U23 and professional cyclists during the multistage race tour of the Alps. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2021;16(8):10891095. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2020-0381

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Spragg J, Leo P, Swart J. The relationship between physiological characteristics and durability in male professional cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2023;55(1):133140. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000003024

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    van Erp T, Sanders D, Lamberts RP. Maintaining power output with accumulating levels of work done is a key determinant for success in professional cycling. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021;53(9):19031910. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000002656

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1301 1301 85
Full Text Views 71 71 17
PDF Downloads 105 105 25