BLUF High aerobic and anaerobic power were found to be pre-requisites rather than predictors of elite enduro mountain bike performance, while superior technical skill coupled with high volume ascending and descending off-road mountain bike training appear to be related to success. ABSTRACT The purpose of this review was to investigate physiological characteristics related to performance in enduro mountain bike racing. A literature search yielded a paucity of available research with just 3 articles being found eligible for inclusion. Included studies investigated physiological characteristics, training loads and competition performance in enduro mountain bike racers. It appears that both elite and non-elite enduro athletes possess substantial aerobic capacity (63.6-65.8 ml/kg/min). However, the elite athletes exhibit significantly greater power production at peak aerobic capacity (465 W), fixed blood lactate concentrations (FBLC) (2 mmol.L-1) (267 W) and 4 mmol.L-1 (318 W) and during an enduro specific test (EST) comprised of repeated high-intensity bouts simulating competition. Field testing data collected during competition demonstrated very high race stage intensity, with mean heart rate (HR) values of >90%HRmax and elevated blood lactate post race stage of ~15 mmol.L-1. GPS and accelerometer device data found that higher bike and athlete loads were associated with technical terrain, and the fastest riders were quicker over technical terrain as well as non-technical terrain, suggesting the significance of technical bike handling skill and the associated physical workload. Included studies also demonstrated that elite enduro athletes complete large volumes of training (~12hr/wk, ~650 hr/yr), primarily off-road mountain biking. While a strong relationship was found between race performance and weekly volume of off-road ascending and descending, no significant relationships were found between any physiological parameter and race performance. Training recommendations for the enduro mountain bike athlete includes, primarily off-road moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), interval training, resistance training (RT) and technical skill training.
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