Introduction Performance in adult road cycling depends on maximal aerobic capacity (V`O2max) and the ability to sustain a high percentage of V`O2max over time (1). Martin et al also underline the importance of explosive power characteristics (2). Few data are available on young cyclists and this lack of information could negatively influence the training methodology at this age. Therefore the purpose of this study is to verify if adolescent road cyclists have the same physiological qualities of adult cyclists and, moreover, which one of these qualities are enhanced (and therefore required) by the agonistic activity. To this extent explosive muscular power and aerobic qualities have been monitored during a competitive season in a group of adolescent road cyclists. Methods 11 adolescent male cyclists (age 15.56±0.5 years, BMI 20.13±1.93 kg/m2, FM 11.92±4.73 %) volunteered to participate in the study and underwent the following test three times during the competitive season: 1) three 6 s maximal sprints at approximately 70, 90 and 120 rpm on an aerodynamic braked cycle-ergometer (Frigeri, Italy), were used to draw the maximum power/velocity curve (P/V curve); 2) an incremental test to exhaustion on an electro-magnetic braked cycle-ergometer (Excalibur Sport, Lode, Holland) allowed the V`O2max measurement on breath by breath basis (Quark b2, Cosmed, Italy); 3) mean V`O2 (last 2 min) of a 8 min workload at submaximal intensity (power corresponding at W 3 mM) was used to calculate efficiency (Ef); 4) lactate concentration was measured (Biosen 5030, EKF, Germany) in capillary blood sample at the end of each of 5 minutes step of an incremental intermittent test to draw the lactate/power curve and fatherly to calculate the mechanical power at 2,3,4 mM (W 2,3,4 mM). No significant changes were detected in all the studied parameters (muscular explosive power, V`O2max, Ef, W 2,3,4 mM) during the competitive season. However it should be considered that the behaviour of explosive power and aerobic qualities (V`O2max and so called anaerobic threshold) (Fig. 1 and 2) shows a different pattern. Explosive power decreases immediately at the beginning of the season, while it does not change since the middle of the season to the end; the opposite it seems to happen for the anaerobic threshold. Discussion\Conclusion These preliminary results on adolescent cyclists demonstrate that they possess lower explosive muscular power qualities if compared with elite adult cyclists. Such a difference can be easily explained by their minor muscular development. This quality decreases during the competitive season. Despite the lower amount of training and race adolescent cyclists perform during a competitive season, they possess comparable aerobic characteristics with elite adult cyclists. These qualities are maintained during the whole competitive season. For these reasons aerobic metabolism seem to be the principle limiting factor in young cyclists.
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