Abstract

Aim This study investigated the development of power profiles and performance-related measures from the junior level (<19 yr) via U23 (19-23 yr) to senior level (>23 yr) in 19 female and 100 male Norwegian national team cyclists. Methods A total of 285 tests were performed in a 3-d laboratory-standardized testing regime. The tests included power profiles with shorter duration (6-60 s) and longer durations (12-30 min) together with performance-related measures: critical power (CP), work capacity above CP (W ' ), power output at 4 and 2 mmol center dot L-1 [BLa-] (L-4 and L-2), maximal aerobic power (W-max), and maximal oxygen uptake ((V)over barO(2max)), gross efficiency (GE), and pedaling efficiency. Results Females and males evolve similarly when maturing from junior via U23 to senior categories (all P > 0.07), except for ((V)over barO(2max), which increased in females (but not males) from junior to senior level (534 +/- 436 mL center dot L-1, P = 0.013). In general, only performances of longer durations improved with age (12 and 30 min, P = 0.028 and P = 0.042, respectively). Performance-related measures like Wmax, (V)over barO(2max)O2max, CP, L4, L2, and pedaling efficiency in the fresh state improved with age (all P <= 0.025). Importantly, performance in the semifatigued state during a 5-min maximal test was also improved with age (P = 0.045) despite a higher external energy expenditure before the test (P = 0.026). Conclusions Junior cyclists show highly developed sprint abilities, and the primary improvements of absolute power outputs and performance-related measures are seen for durations >60 s when maturing to U23 and senior categories. However, the durability, i.e., the capacity to maintain performance in a semifatigued state, is improved with age.