Although each triathlon race is unique due to variations in race tactics, course design, environmental conditions and depth of field; competition data are still important for identifying characteristics associated with successful performance. Anecdotally, during the cycle stage, athletes try to `conserve` their legs for the upcoming run which is deemed as the most important aspect of the triathlon. Although triathlon is an individual event, team tactics do exist within the sport. Here we present a case study of two athletes riding in the same bike pack with different tactics and the effect on power output. Methods Power output date was collected on two male Australian athletes during the U23 World Championships at the Gold Coast, Australia 2009. Dynamically calibrated SRM (SRM Training System, Schoberer Rad Messtechnik) were used. Athletes completed 8 laps of the bike course which totalled 40 km. Results Athlete A made the first bike pack but Athlete B was 30 second behind in the swim leg and subsequently started in the second bike pack. By the 3rd lap Athlete B had managed to cycle onto the 1st pack. As the cycle leg unfolded, the race tactics were changed to make ensure an Australian athlete was placed in the most competitive position to podium in the race. Athlete A, being the weaker runner was instructed to `deliver` Athlete B as fresh as possible to the bike-run transition while ensuring that the second bike pack did not gain time on this first pack. Table 1 shows the overall characteristics from the race for the two athletes. Noticeable differences between the two athletes are the number of efforts >7.5 W.kg and the amount of time spent in <100 W power band. When individual lap power output was considered Athlete B actually had a higher mean power output during the first half of the race (Laps 1-4) of 289 ± 11 W v 307 ± 11 W for Athlete A. Mean power output decreased for both athletes in the latter half of the race (Laps 4-8) but Athlete A`s power output was substantially higher than Athlete B`s (265 ± 37 W v 225 ± 18 W respectively). Discussion/Conclusion Although two athletes were in the same bike pack, each athlete was instructed to race very differently which resulted in Athlete B on the podium and Athlete A placing in the top-20. The higher power output seen in Athlete A on Laps 1-4 would have been the result of making the bridge between the 1st and 2nd bike packs. Whether it was the higher power output, the number of high intensity efforts or the amount of time spent <100W that resulted in Athlete A running ~2 mins slower than Athlete B remains unknown. Furthermore, the running ability of the athletes is not considered here. These findings only relate to one triathlon race and the specific tactics employed in that race; however, it does give us an insight into competition demands, the minimum fitness requirements and valuable information that can assist with training prescription.
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