Key result
Two top-5 Tour de France finishers averaged 22.5 and 18.2 hours of weekly training with a pyramidal intensity distribution, increasing high-intensity volume and polarization during race weeks.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to describe individual training characteristics, racing strategies, and periodization in preparation for the Tour de France in 2 world-class road cyclists finishing in the top 5 of the general classification.
Case Report (n=2)
No
Provides novel insights into the training periodization and intensity distribution of world-class road cyclists preparing for the Tour de France.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe individual training characteristics, racing strategies, and periodization in preparation for the Tour de France in 2 world-class road cyclists finishing in the top 5 of the general classification. METHODS: Week-by-week power meter training and racing data of 2 (A and B) road cyclists (age: 29 and 23 y; maximum oxygen consumption: 83 and 81 mL·min-1·kg-1; and relative 20-min record power output: 6.9 and 6.5 W·kg-1) in the preparation phase (December-July/August) leading up to the Tour de France were retrospectively analyzed. Weekly volume and intensity distribution in power zones were considered. RESULTS: Cyclists A and B completed 46 and 19 races, 22.5 (6.3) and 18.2 (5.1) h·wk-1, with a pyramidal intensity distribution of 81.0%-13.3%-5.7%, and 88.8%-7.9%-3.3% in zone 1-zone 2-zone 3. Cyclist B spent 14 days at altitude. Increased high-intensity volume and polarization index occurred during race weeks. During periods without racing, training intensity progressively increased. Strength training was performed during November and December but not during the following months. During tapering, total exercise volume and time at high intensity decreased. CONCLUSION: These data provide novel insights into the periodization of world-class road cyclists in advance of a top 5 placing in the Tour de France general classification.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gallo et al. (2023) conducted a case report in Professional road cycling (n=2). Endurance training and racing preparation was evaluated on Weekly training volume and intensity distribution. Two top-5 Tour de France finishers averaged 22.5 and 18.2 hours of weekly training with a pyramidal intensity distribution, increasing high-intensity volume and polarization during race weeks.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: