Torque and power-velocity relationships in cycling: Relevance to track sprint performance in world-class cyclists

The aims of the present study were both to describe anthropometrics and cycling power-velocity characteristics in top-level track sprinters, and to test the hypothesis that these variables would represent interesting predictors of the 200 m track sprint cycling performance. Twelve elite cyclists volunteered to perform a torque-velocity test on a calibrated cycle ergometer, after the measurement of their lean leg volume (LLV) and frontal surface area (A(p)), in order to draw torque- and power-velocity relationships, and to evaluate the maximal power (P-max), and both the optimal pedalling rate (f(opt)) and torque (T-opt) at which P-max is reached. The 200 m performances - i.e. velocity (V-200) and pedalling rate (f(200)) - were measured during international events (REC) and in the 2002 French Track Cycling Championships (NAT). P-max, f(opt), and T-opt were respectively 1600 +/- 116 W, 129.8 +/- 4.7 rpm and 118.5 +/- 9.8 N (.) m. P-max was strongly correlated with T-opt (p < 0.001), which was correlated with LLV (p < 0.01). V-200 was related to P-max normalized by A(p) (p <= 0.05) and also to f(opt) (p < 0.01) for REC and NAT. f(200) (155.2 +/- 3, REC; 149 +/- 4.3, NAT) were significantly higher than f(opt) (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrated that, in this population of world-class track cyclists, the optimization of the ratio between P-max and A(P) represents a key factor of 200 m performance. Concerning the major role also played by f(opt), it is assumed that, considering high values of f(200), sprinters with a high value of optimal pedalling rate (i.e. lower f(200)-f(opt) difference) could be theoretically in better conditions to maximize their power output during the race and hence performance.