Comparison of body composition and aerobic and anaerobic performance between competitive cyclists and triathletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare anthropometric characteristics and aerobic and anaerobic fitness between competitive cyclists and triathletes. The sample consisted of 11cyclists and 12 triathletes with experience in competitions. The tests were performed on two different days, with an interval of 48 h between sessions. On the first day,the athletes were submitted to anthropometric assessment (body mass, height,and skinfold thickness) and a maximal incremental test to determine maximal oxygen uptake, maximum power, maximum heart rate, maximum lactate, and the first (LL1) and second lactate threshold (LL2). The Wingate test was conducted on the second day to determine peak power, average power, and fatigue index. There were significant difference (p < 0.05), with medium effect size (0.80- 1.5), in mid-thigh skinfold thickness (15.2 ± 6.3 and 10.5 ± 4.8 mm), power at LL1 (195.0 ± 30.9 and 162.7 ± 28.3 W), power at LL2 (247.6 ± 25.0 and 219.7± 37.9 W), and fatigue index (47.2 ± 13.0 and 60.1 ± 16.4%) between cyclists and triathletes, respectively. The other variables did not differ between groups. Anthropometric characteristics are similar in triathletes and cyclists. However, cyclists present higher power outputs at the lactate thresholds (LL1 and LL2) and lower fatigue indexes.