How Triathletes Can Use Cycling Cadence to Maximize Running Performance
Abstract & Commentary
Synopsis: During triathlons, slower cadences in cycling will decrease energy usage during the subsequent running events.
Source: Vercruyssen F, et al. Influence of cycling cadence on subsequent running performance in triathletes. Med Sci Sports Exer. 2002;34(3):530-536.
Maximizing energy expenditures during triathlons is important to improve performance late during the event. This study investigates the influence of different cycling cadences on metabolic and kinematic parameters during the running event. Eight male triathletes with an average of 4.5 years experience performed running and cycling tests to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and ventilatory threshold (VT) values and the energetically optimal cadence (EOC). During the cycling sessions, the subjects maintained 1 of the 3 pedaling cadences corresponding to the EOC (72.5 rpm), a freely chosen cadence (FCC 81.2 rpm), or a theoretical mechanically optimal cadence (MOC 90 rpm). Cycling at the EOC, which was the lower cadence, lead to less energy cost with running, whereas cycling at higher cadences (MOC, FCC) lead to greater increases in energy cost incurred during running.
Comment by James R. Slauterbeck, MD
Long distance running athletes naturally find the stride that is the most energy efficient but cyclists do not do likewise. Cyclists tend to spin at nearly double the cadences that have been found to be the most energy efficient. Therefore, if elite cyclists spin at a higher energy cost, then subsequent running and swimming events may be compromised. This study addresses the energy cost of different cycling cadences on subsequent running, simulating a triathlon event.
So why do cyclists choose a higher cadence that costs more energy in racing? Aerobic demand clearly is not the mechanism that selects the cadence since the aerobic demand would select a slower cadence. Possibly, elite cyclists use an increased cadence rate because the force placed upon the pedals decreases with higher cadences near 90 rpm. Decreased forces during pedaling may be more important to the cyclist than aerobic demand. However, the actual reason for the high cadence selection is not known and needs further investigation.
Cycling at a lower cadence decreases energy expenditure in subsequent running activity. This is important to understand in long endurance events using different muscle groups in multi-event activities. The one big question remaining is whether one can cycle at a lower cadence and still generate enough speed to be competitive or to win an event. This information will need to be further studied in competition to see if the strategy pays off with better overall times. However, if an individual triathlete’s goal is to finish the race, but not to win the race, this information may help one conserve energy and meet their personal goal.
Dr. Slauterbeck, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, is Associate Editor of Sports Medicine Reports.
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