Physiological and anthropometrical predictors of 15-kilometer time trial cycling performance time

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between physiological and anthropometrical variables and 15-km time trial (TT) cycling performance time. Twenty-two competitive cyclists averaged 59.7 ml • kg˜‘• min'1 for maximal oxygen consumption (V02mJ, 42.8 ml • kg˜! • min˜1 for anaerobic threshold (AT), and 23.5 min for the 15 km TT race. The relationship between V02ma and cycling performance time was r = —0.68, fp <.01) while the correlation between AT and performance time was r = —0.93, (p <.01). Applying stepwise multiple regression analysis, the two-variable model of the AT and the body circumference ratio, thigh+calf:arm+chest, was found to correlate highly with cycling performance time (r = 0.966). It was concluded that the successful cyclists are characterized by the ability to consume large amounts of oxygen prior to ventilatory changes associated with the anaerobic threshold as well as a larger lower to upper body circumference ratio which may favorably decrease wind resistance while cycling.