Effects of Different Stepwise Reduction Taper Protocols on Cycling Performance

Abstract

This study examined the effects of different 7-day taper protocols on simulated 20-km time trials (20TT). Following 3 weeks of baseline training, 11 male cyclists ([Formula: see text]= 4.78 ± 0.66 L•min−1) were randomly assigned to one of three stepwise reduction tapers in which training volume was reduced by 30% (T30, n = 5), 50% (T50, n = 6), or 80% (T80, n = 6) of baseline training with intensity (85% [Formula: see text]) maintained. Cardiorespiratory measurements were collected every 5 km during the 20TT. Results revealed a significant (5.4%,p ≤ 0.05) improvement in 20TT performance in the T50 protocol with concomitant increases in [Formula: see text] and O2 pulse. No significant differences were found in T30 or T80. These results showed that a moderate (50%) reduction in weekly training volume appeared to be optimal in terms of enhancing performance. This confirms the contention that proper placement of training volume during tapering, while maintaining exercise intensity, can elicit performance improvements. Key words: tapering, simulated time trial performance, cyclists, physiological mechanisms