Suriano, Robert and Bishop, David ORCID: 0000-0002-6956-9188 (2010) Combined cycle and run performance is maximised when the cycle is completed at the highest sustainable intensity. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 110 (4). pp. 753-760. ISSN 1439-6319 (print) 1439-6327 (online)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cycle intensity on subsequent running performance and combined cycle–run (CR) performance. Seven triathletes undertook a cycling graded exercise test to exhaustion, an isolated 500-kJ cycle time trial (CTT) and an isolated 5-km running time trial. Then they performed a series of CR tests, at various cycle intensities, followed by an all-out, 5-km run. The CR tests were separated into four categories based on the percentage of the CTT at which the cycle was performed (CR 81–85%, CR 86–90%, CR 91–95%, and CR 96–100%). Running performance was slower during CR 96–100% compared to CR 81–85% and CR 86–90% (20:45 ± 1:19 vs. 19:56 ± 0:40 and 19:46 ± 0:49 min; P < 0.05), but not CR 91–95% (20:19 ± 1:08 min; P > 0.05). CR performance was maximised during CR 96–100% when compared to CR 81–85, CR 86–90 and CR 91–95% (56:37 ± 4:04 vs. 62:40 ± 5:30, 59:53 ± 4:41 and 58:29 ± 4:40 min; P < 0.05). The results suggest that combined cycle and run performance is maximised when the cycle is completed at the highest sustainable intensity.

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