Research Supports Efficiency and Economy

I'm still trying to get some of the details. However, in December 2002, Dr Alejandro Lucia et. al. published an article in the ACSM research journal that showed elite cyclists to have an inverse relationship between efficiency/economy and VO2 max.

To qualify for the test, you had to be an elite cyclist with some serious credentials. I'm talking wins or podium finishes in world class events.

The research showed that elite cyclists with lower VO2 max(relatively) showed greater efficiency and economy. That means that in spite of their limited(relatively) oxygen carrying capacity, they were still able to compete as world class athletes. These guys have pushed their Vo2 max to the limit and they utilized their skills to carry them the rest of the way.

What does that mean for the average Joe's like you and me?

It means that training for efficiency and economy go a long way towards improving performance. If you can reduce the amount of wasted effort and learn to do a set amount of work with less effort, you will become more competitive. At our level, VO2 max can still be improved as well. It just shows that we have tremendous potential.

It's nice to know that the research supports the concepts that I've been writing about. You need to challenge your ability to ride effectively. If you continue to ride on the road without providing yourself with additional feed back, you will continue to ride like you always have.

Here goes the roller boy sermon again...
Riding on the rollers is no different than riding on the road. It's different because you are limiting yourself to 18" of riding width. It's more intimidating when you know you have imposed limitations. You will also adjust so that you perform better.

Good riding.