The influence of power output on Olympic Cross-Country Mountain Biking performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.109221Keywords:
Mountain bike, MTB cross country, Performance, Power, Power MeterAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to analyze whether power is a good indicator of performance in mountain bike (MTB) competitions, specifically in the SuperCup Cross Country Olympic (XCO) MTB in Banyoles-España.
Methodology: The power of 10 professional male XCO-MTB cyclists was monitored during the race, and its relationship with performance was analyzed during climbs, descents, and flat sections of the fastest lap.
Results: A strong correlation was found between performance and average power (Pavg) (R² = -.652, p = .041), and a very strong correlation between performance and relative power (Prel) (R² = -.887, p = .001); during the uphill climbs, there was a strong correlation between performance and Pavg (R² = -.719, p = .019), and a very strong correlation between performance and Prel (R² = -.888, p = .001). The relationship between performance and Pavg during flat sections was strong (R² = -.780, p = .008), and very strong between performance and Prel (R² = -.821, p = .004). During the downhill descents, no correlation was found between performance and Pavg, and a moderate correlation was found between performance and Prel (R² = -.530, p = .115).
Discussion: This study highlights the importance of Prel as an indicator of performance in XCO-MTB competitions.
Conclusions: However, the significant finding of this study is that power is not a good indicator of performance during downhill descents, where performance seems to be determined by technical riding skills.
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