The purpose of this study was to analyse the energy cost of racing 2000m in female rowers. Four national level heavyweight female rowers, mean age 19.3 years (range 19-20 years) completed a maximal 2000m race simulation on a Concept II rowing ergometer to determine the relative contributions of aerobic and anaerobic energy sources. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), and post-test blood lactate measurements were recorded. Total energy cost was estimated by extrapolation of the regression equation VO2= 0.114 speed (m·sec-1)2.42 and the Accumulated Oxygen Deficit (AOD) method was used to calculate the contribution of the anaerobic energy system. Mean ± SD VO2peak achieved in the race was 4.21 ± 0.36 L·min-1 and the mean AOD was 3.74 ± 2.05 L. Mean maximal HR was 197 ± 9 bmp and mean post-test lactate was 13.7 ± 1.8 mM. The mean time taken for the rowers to complete the test was 7:21 min:sec. The aerobic system represented 88.6% of the estimated total energy cost, while the anaerobic system accounted for the remaining 11.4%. Rowers utilised 62% of their AOD during the first 2 minutes of the race simulation and maintained a mean race intensity of 98% of VO2peak. This study has demonstrated that racing 2000m is predominantly an aerobic activity, but does require a large anaerobic contribution. Both high aerobic power and anaerobic capacity are necessary components to success in heavyweight women`s rowing. This suggests a need to develop and implement training programmes that enhance both these physical attributes.
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