Background: The triathlon is a sport consisting of sequential swimming, cycling and running. Although race distances vary, triathlons of all distances can be considered to be endurance events. Physiological measurements at sub-maximal workloads, such as lactate response, have been shown to be important determinants of endurance ability and valuable indicators of performance. Changes in blood lactate dynamics during a triathlon session can give valuable feedback to the coach as well as to the athletes about their training adaptations and response. Aim: The aim of the current investigation was to examine the changes in aerobic endurance performance of young elite triathletes throughout the triathlon season. Method: The sample of subjects consisted of 10 young elite triathletes (7 males and 3 females) aged between 15 and 18. All athletes live and train at the Academy of Excellence in Sports at the Wingate Institute, Israel. The on-going project and follow-up involved administering sub-maximal physiology tests on three occasions during the 2012-2013 season: Pre-season (PRE), Mid-season (MID) and Competition (COMP). The tests included anthropometric measurements, anaerobic threshold (AnT) and blood lactate response in three disciplines - swimming, cycling and running - using incremental protocols on either treadmill, bike or at the pool. Blood lactate concentration and heart rate (HR) were determined at each exercise stage. Workout output and HR at 2 mmol, 3 mmol and 4 mmol were determined for each athlete, in addition to the anaerobic threshold. Results: The results revealed changes in the mean group lactate response during the season in all disciplines. The range of improvement between the PRE and COMP was between 1%-10% in the different parameters tested as well as between the MID and COMP. The results revealed changes in the lactate dynamics over the training year which was reflected in changes of the workload (pace, power or swimming time) in the 2mmol, 3mmol and 4mmol concentrations. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated a change in endurance performance in all disciplines tested during the training year. In the majority of the athletes that were tested an improvement was observed, however different training responses were apparent. The results reflected the importance of monitoring physiological variables and individualization of the training program.
© Copyright 2014 The 3rd Wingate Congress of Exercise and Sport Sciences. Veröffentlicht von The Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sport. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.