About this Research Topic
The quest for improved cycling performance remains a vibrant field as athletes incessantly explore novel strategies to elevate their outcomes. This pursuit entails a comprehensive approach, fusing advancements in bicycle components, cycling garment design, training methodologies, posture optimization, pacing tactics, race-specific nutrition strategies, and post-race recovery protocols. The fusion of these aspects creates a holistic approach that cyclists adopt to gain a competitive edge. It's noteworthy that the domain of high-tech competitive cycling has expanded well beyond professional athletes, witnessing a surge in participation from amateur cyclists. Recent statistics support this trend, showcasing a significant increase in non-professional cyclists engaging in high performance cycling endeavors.
This research topic serves as a conduit for the exploration of diverse strategies aimed at augmenting cycling performance across the spectrum, encompassing both amateur and elite-level cyclists.
The primary focal points of this topic include:
Bicycle and rider apparel design and customization: bicycle components and cyclist clothing including aerodynamics, materials, and general design.
Race Pacing: individual and team optimal pacing strategies over various race conditions (distances, profiles, and environmental conditions).
Recovery: post-race and long-term to mitigate fatigue, promote muscle repair, and enhance overall readiness for subsequent competitions.
Training: training methodologies (interval training, periodization, and data-driven approaches).
Nutrition: race-specific and training nutritional strategies and dietary interventions.
Psychology: mental strategies (motivation, mental resilience, and race-day decision-making).
Injury Prevention and comfort: biomechanical analyses, ergonomic adjustments, and injury prevention measures (bike fitting, vibrations, pressure in contact areas).
Performance Evaluation: methodologies for assessing cycling performance (physiological metrics, biomechanical data, real-time performance feedback), use of wearables.
As this collection of studies unfolds, it aims to enrich our understanding of the multifaceted realm of cycling performance enhancement. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, this research topic endeavors to empower both amateur and elite cyclists to achieve their full potential on the road to victory.
Keywords: Cycling, Performance Enhancement, Strategy, Nutrition, Psychology, Injury
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.