Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Kinesiology

Major Professor

David R. Bassett Jr.

Committee Members

Jessica L. Kutz Fleming, Dawn P. Coe

Abstract

New advancements in bicycle instrumentation and social media applications have made it possible to obtain quantitative data on training and racing. PURPOSE: To analyze training data (training volume, frequency, distance, speed, and race days) and power profiles of road racers in USA Cycling, in order to compare genders and categories (professional, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). METHODS: Part 1: Using USAC race results, racers with an active Strava® account were selected. Using data uploaded from on-bike GPS head units, 543 USAC racers’ (279 men, 264 women), 2019 data were documented. Part 2: Subjects with power meter data displayed on Strava® were contacted for demographic information and peak power data (5-s, 1-min, 5-min, 20-min, and 1-h). 92 amateur racers (67 men, 25 women) completed this part of the study. Annual training metrics, power data, and survey results were compared across the categories and genders using ANOVAs. RESULTS: Part 1: In 2019, professional women (N=20) rode 634.7±135.2 hours, 16,581±3,562 km, and completed 304.4±28.5 ride days, 33.2±7.8 races; professional men (N=29) rode 864.7±160.0 hours, 26,103±5,210 km, and completed 310.6±39.3 ride days, 49.9±17.1 races. There were significant gender differences among professionals, for all variables except for ride days (ppppCONCLUSION:Some differences exist for annual training data and power profiles between USAC categories and genders. Knowledge of the training characteristics and power profiles of USAC men and women athletes could be useful to road racers and coaches in designing training programs.

Download
Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share

COinS