Background: Aerobic capacity has a significant influence on 1000-m kayak rowing event results. For this reason, training loads are aimed at developing the circulatory and respiratory system and muscle ability to consume oxygen. Aims: The aim of our research was to investigate Lithuanian elite kayak rowers' (K-2) preparation during a yearly training cycle, to identify the factors that influence their progress, as well as to evaluate the level and evolution of separate body systems and aerobic capacity. Method: The research was carried out in the first year of the Olympic four-year cycle, preparing for the 2013 World Championship, where the athletes won 10th place in the 1000-m event (K-2). Training load, carried out during this yearly cycle, was examined and grouped into five zones of intensity. Boat speed, distance and athletes' heart rate was measured using the Garmin Connect Forerunner computer system. Work intensity was measured by lactate concentration in capillary blood samples. The "Oxycon Mobile" gas analyzer was used to assess the athletes' aerobic capacity indices at maximum intensity and maximum anaerobic threshold. Anaerobic alactic capacity was analyzed by conducting a maximal effort test by assessing the work being performed using the Dansprint kayak rowing ergometer. Results: Results of the study showed that preparation of athletes for the 2013 World Championship consisted of one macro-cycle with certain characteristics. During this macro-cycle, the athletes carried out a training load which amounted to 707 hours. Considering the zones of intensity, the greatest training load was carried out in the third zone and accounted for 31.2% of the load. In the fourth zone (mixed aerobic-anaerobic), work accounted for 12% of the load, and only 1.2% of the training load was carried out in the fifth zone of intensity. Training sessions which were carried out during the competitive period were not of increased intensity. The athletes participated 28 times in eight competitions. During the preparatory period, aerobic capacity indices under investigation improved significantly for the both of the athletes. The tendency for increased anaerobic alactic capacity indices was observed during the transitory period, which was influenced by a decrease in training load. Conclusions: The data obtained on aerobic capacity revealed individual skills of the athletes, as well as the development of such skills. The results provide preconditions for more individualized preparation of the athletes, and prove that training load should not be significantly decreased in a short transitory period, as the purpose of such a load is to maintain aerobic capacity.
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