Abstract
Background. Despite the quantitative importance of the cycling segment in Sprint-Distance Triathlon (SDT), very few studies 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 circuits.
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 mean power output (MP) values for males, the number of power peaks (Peak 1 for males and Peak 2 for both genders) and the % of race time spent in high power bands increased as circuits presented a greater technical difficulty. Males spent more % of race time in the low (< 2W/kg) and high (> 6W/kg) but less % of time in the medium (2–6 W/kg) relative power bands than females (p < 0.05). Time spent in medium-high power bands showed large correlation with running ranking, both for males on rolling (r = 0.62) and technical (r = 0.55) courses and for females on rolling courses (r = 0.52).
Conclusions. The competitive demands of the cycling segment during SDT races seem to be dependent on the circuit type and should be taken into account to optimise the subsequent running performance.