The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different ergometer resistance on the force, torque and power outputs during a 10s. sprint. Nine elite sprint cyclists of age 26.5± 2.8 yr., mass 82.0± 6.6 kg and height 1.80± 0.06 m. (mean± S.D.) performed a set of randomly-assigned sprints against different loads (7,8,9,10,11,12,13% body mass) on a modified Monark 864 cycle ergometer fitted with a pair of piezo-electric force pedals (Coleman and Hale, 1998). Orthogonal forces from each pedal, pedal angles and crank angle were all recorded at 100Hz. These were used to calculate effective (tangential) and ineffective (radial) pedal forces, as well as crank torques and power outputs. Results showed that the highest crank torques (98.30± 4.22 N.m) were demonstrated at the highest ergometer resistance, decreasing to 88.00± 4.30 N.m at the lowest resistance. The torque values were inversely related to the crank velocity, with the highest velocity (176.2± 2.9 rpm) being at the lowest load and vice versa (124.1± 3.2 rpm at 13% body mass). Crank power outputs were 1386± 76 W at 7% body mass falling to 1086± 54 W at 13% body mass. These data suggest that it was more beneficial in terms of power output to cycle at very high cadences, rather than attempt to maximum crank torques at lower pedaling rates. This agrees with previous theoretical studies and experience, as cyclists usually exceed 165 rpm during a 200m race.
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