Greg May in the lab testing his TT position
Sport and exercise physiologist based in Dublin City University, Greg May explains why he and his colleagues are looking for cyclists to participate in a new testing study; the results of which he says will be invaluable to participating riders.
Testing Testing...
It's that time of the year again. The road season is upon us and we are all starting to think about intervals again. Everyone is sitting down and looking at the calendar, looking at the races, wondering how they can persuade the relevant other half to let them do that stage race they've always aimed for.
More and more stage races are now encompassing time-trials as part of the weekend’s action. Yet how many of us actually spend time thinking about our position?
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In comparison to triathletes, who tend to be obsessive to the point of madness, most road cyclists assume a slammed stem and narrow bars a slippery position doth make. In most cases this is a correct assumption. But how optimal are these positions for both the physiological and kinematic performance of that cyclist?
In DCU, the School of Health and Human Performance is conducting a research study to compare the effects of an optimised versus self-selected position on 4km TT performance.
But optimised to what you ask?
Well, research has shown that a lower frontal area - the amount of the cyclist exposed to oncoming air - allows for a reduction in the drag co-efficient of the cyclist.
Cynical Cyril: “So obviously if we reduce the frontal area we go faster? Why are you still in university Greg; this science lark is easy!”
Well Cyril, sadly it’s not quite that simple.
One thing we know from our obsessive brethren is that if you have to run after cycling, your fastest for 180km in a TT position and aerodynamically optimised position based on frontal area alone may not be ideal.
We have to consider the effect on the body’s ability to produce power in this position; the reaction of the various physiological systems and, of course, the ability to fuel the effort.
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Although these may not be important in such a short event as a 4km track pursuit, the kickback of a position over a 20km TT followed by a road race is something that we don't all think about.
The good news is the researchers are recruiting participants for this study. They are currently looking for healthy males aged 18-35 years who hold a category A1 race licence for at least one year or the coming 2012 season.
You will be required to attend four testing sessions in the Biomechanics/Human Performance Laboratories in DCU, north Dublin, where you will undergo a series of cycling tests. Testing will take place over a couple of weeks;
Session 1: VO2max test and body composition measurements; 4km habituation trial
Sessions 2 to 4: 4km time trial in either a self selected or optimised aerodynamic cycling position.
The benefits to the participant will include physiological and biomechanical data including VO2 max, lactate threshold, detailed power data and cycling economy; all key to optimal training and performance enhancement.
Each participant will also gain valuable knowledge of an optimised aerodynamic position for time trials and its impact on their performance.
There is no cost for participation in this study. However, the total battery of tests would usually cost approximately €1,000 outside of this study.
If you would like to hear more about this study or would consider participating, please contact: Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]
Greg May is a sport and exercise physiologist based in Dublin City University. With a background coaching track, road and MTB athletes combined with performance testing of cyclists, Greg tries to apply new research in a field environment.
When not in the lab he spends his time riding his MTB for overly long periods, while waiting for winter to come back and the cyclocross season to resume. His main aims for this year are; finally finishing his PhD in exercise physiology and completing his first 24hour solo MTB race.
May testing his TT position head-on
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