An Overview of Training Models for Cyclists
by Doug Stewart
A recently published systematic review (a paper assessing and synthesising previous research) aimed to identify and evaluate the main characteristics of periodisation models and physiological parameters of trained road cyclists. This was described by training intensity distribution (TID), volume, and periodisation model.
Studies that investigated the effect of the periodisation of training in cyclists and described training load (volume, TID) and periodisation details were included in the systematic review. Seven studies were reviewed that met the inclusion criteria, with a cumulative sample size of 161 athletes. The participants had an average VO2 Max of 60ml/kg/min and average age of 32 years old.
Conclusions and Discussion:
The review concluded that, to date, there is no evidence that either a particular periodisation model of 8 to 12 weeks in duration or day-to-day programming is generally more effective in trained, non-elite road cyclists. The recommendations were that the pyramidal and polarised training intensity distribution approaches be combined and adjusted based on daily monitoring, depending on the training phase or cycle that an athlete finds themselves in at any given time.
They also didn’t find evidence that a “periodised” training model is superior to a day-by-day programming approach, when the latter is combined with a polarised or pyramidal training intensity distribution ensuring adequate recovery from day to day.
However, the short duration of the interventions in published periodisation studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding longer-term changes in exercise and/or sport performance attributable to any specific periodisation model.
The researchers agreed that future investigations in cycling must focus on the periodisation models in the longer-term context of the total training completed during a season, because this sport includes many hours of competition at moderate and high intensities per season, with further effects of time / seasons in the sport also playing a substantial part in training responses.
In addition, several recommendations can be made to help researchers looking into periodisation in cycling training.
It is strongly recommended that future research complete a process involving:
(1) describing the long-term global organisation and training sequence of periodisation models (i.e., ≥12 weeks);
(2) Describing the long-term preparatory and competitive training periods to understand how they influence training adaptions within more structured, measured blocks.
Hopefully with year long study durations, more clear insights will emerge, helping to inform the most suitable training approaches in the future.
References:
Galán-Rioja, M.Á., Gonzalez-Ravé, J.M., González-Mohíno, F. and Seiler, S., 2023. Training Periodization, Intensity Distribution, and Volume in Trained Cyclists: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 1(aop), pp.1-11.