Cycling Primer For A Faster Finish

Competitive cyclists and recreational riders looking for a performance edge might be interested in the findings of a study recently published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance that tests an experimental priming technique and starting strategy on 4 km time trials.

After determining the level of cycling performance and maximum oxygen uptake of 4 male volunteers, researchers had some subjects engage in a priming exercise at 70% of exercise capacity followed by a 12-second all out start. Other subjects warmed up as usual and started the time trial at a self-selected pace. The average race time was 20 seconds faster using the priming protocol and all out start.