Do body composition and physiological parameters measured in the laboratory have predictive value for cycling performance?

Abstract

Physiological parameters measured in the laboratory are used in cycling for analysing changes in performance, adjusting training regimes, and helping with predicting future performance. Some parameters are known to have better predictive credibility than others. In this study, we aimed to find the parameters that influenced performance in the same cyclists in two consecutive years. We gathered the scoring results of 29 competitive young cyclists (18.45±2.23 years old) in various age categories and their physiological parameters. The racing results were obtained from both the national and international levels. From measurements of change in peak power output, body composition and gas exchange, this study showed that the negative change in the percentage of body fat positively correlated with all-year scoring results in male cyclists of different ages. No other correlations were found. This research amplifies the importance of body composition in cycling and suggests further research is needed on the influence of body composition on cycling performance.