Effects of long-term training cessation in young top-level road cyclists.

In cycling, it is common practice to have a break in the off season longer than 4 weeks while adopting an almost sedentary lifestyle, and such a break is considered to be long-term detraining. No previous studies have assessed the effect of training cessation with highly trained young cyclists. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine effects of 5 weeks of training cessation in 10 young (20.1 ± 1.4 years) male road cyclists for body composition, haematological and physiological parameters. After training cessation, body mass of cyclists increased (P = 0.014; ES = 0.9).(L · min−1 = −8.8 ± 5.0%, mL · kg−1·min−1 = −10.8 ± 4.2%,), Wmax(W = −6.5 ± 3.1%, W · kg−1 = −8.5 ± 3.3%,), WLT1(W = −12.9 ± 7.0%, W · kg−1 = −14.8 ± 7.4%,), WLT2(W = −11.5 ± 7.0%, W · kg−1 = −13.4 ± 7.6%,) and haematological (red blood cells count, −6.6 ± 4.8%; haemoglobin, −5.4 ± 4.3% and haematocrit, −2.9 ± 3.0%) values decreased (P ≤ 0.028; ES ≥ 0.9). Five weeks of training cessation resulted in large decreases in physiological and haematological values in young top-level road cyclists suggesting the need for a shorter training stoppage. This long-term detraining is more pronounced when expressed relative to body mass emphasising the influence of such body mass on power output. A maintenance programme based on reduced training strategies should be implemented to avoid large declines in physiological values in young cyclists who aspire to become professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]