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ABSTRACT
Optimising cadence through appropriate gear selection is a key consideration for track sprint cycling performance, yet the influence of cadence on fatigue (i.e., decrement in power output) within a maximal sprint is not well understood. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of cadence on fatigue during maximal sprint cycling. Eleven world-class and elite track sprint cyclists (n = 6 men, maximal power output (Pmax) = 1894 ± 351 W, optimal cadence (Fopt) = 134 ± 8 rev∙min−1: n = 5 women, Pmax = 1114 ± 80 W, Fopt = 124 ± 8 rev∙min−1) completed two testing sessions where power-cadence profiles were constructed to determine the Fopt associated with Pmax. Cyclists also performed three maximal 15-s sprints (Fopt, ±15%Fopt) to identify fatigue per pedal stroke across these cadence ranges. There was no significant difference (p = 0.2) in the absolute fatigue per pedal stroke when cadence was fixed 15% above (16.7 ± 6.1 W∙stroke−1) and below (15.3 ± 5.1 W∙stroke−1) Fopt. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the relative fatigue per pedal stroke (% peak power∙stroke−1) across Fopt and ± 15%Fopt trials (p = 0.12). The relative decrement in power output is equivalent across the ± 15%Fopt cadence range. As such, a higher-geared, lower-cadence approach to maximal sprint cycling could be a viable method to minimise maximal pedal strokes and reduce the decrement in power output.
Acknowledgments
The authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose and no competing interests to disclose. The results of the present study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).