Modeling performance of elite cyclists

The effect of training on performance

Master thesis (2017)

Authors

R. Rozendaal Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Contributors

G. Jongbloed (supervisor 1)
T. van Erp (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Copyright: © 2017 Romke Rozendaal
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Published Date

01-11-2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Abstract

Both coaches and cyclists nowadays determine the training schedules for important races based on experience
and gut-feeling. Data are available for the evaluation of training schedules, but a sound scientific
method of accomplishing this does not yet exist. The biggest hurdle in developing such a method for cycling
is the absence of an objective performance metric. This report uses the data of six cyclists in order to introduce
and analyze a new performance metric: the cycled critical power. Subsequently, this metric is used to fit
the parameters of the Fitness-Fatigue model; a model that is successfully applied in other sports to model the
performance of an athlete. Several training attributes are included in the analysis, such as duration, intensity,
and load; with which the performance of the cyclists is modeled. The model, applied to the data, leads to
correlations for the six cyclists with R2-values within the range of 0.13 - 0.56. Compared to other scientific
research, this range indicates that the Fitness-Fatigue model could be a valuable tool for elite cyclists and
coaches when constructing their training schedules, but further research into the performance metric and
the application of the Fitness-Fatigue model is still required.