Author(s): ALBERDI-GARCIANDIA, A., LAMBERTS, R.P., SWART, J., SANTOS-CONCEJERO, J., Institution: FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND SPORT, UNIVERSITY OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY (UPV/EHU), Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 2240

INTRODUCTION:
Individual time trials (ITT) represent a key discipline in road cycling, requiring the integration of multiple physiological and performance determinants, such as aerobic power, pacing strategy, and gross efficiency [1]. However, the longitudinal progression of ITT performance from youth categories to the World Tour level is scarcely researched. Therefore, the aim of this case study was to analyze longitudinal changes in mean power output and heart rate during ITT in an elite, World Tour level cyclist.
METHODS:
Performance data from the best annual ITT of a male World Tour cyclist (age: 23 y; height: 183 cm; body mass: 65.2 kg; estimated maximal oxygen uptake: 84 mL·kg-1·min-1 [2]; functional threshold power: 395 W) were retrospectively analyzed from 2018 (national youth level, age 15 years) to 2025 (World Tour level, age 22 years). All performance data were obtained from official national and international competitions, and were collected using on-bike power meters. Power output (absolute and relative) and heart rate, as well as distance, duration, and elevation gain, were extracted from the power meter. Changes over time were analyzed using Pearson correlations. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
Strong correlations were observed between year and both absolute and relative mean power output (r = 0.89, p = 0.003 for both). Mean power during the ITTs increased substantially from 332 W (4.99 W·kg-1) in 2018 to 373 W (5.72 W·kg-1) in 2025, representing increases of 12.3% and 14.6%, respectively. Consistent with the changes in power output, a strong negative correlation was also found between year and mean heart rate during the ITTs (r = -0.87, p = 0.005). In contrast to power output, mean heart rate decreased substantially over time, declining from an average of 181 beats·min-1 to 171 beats·min-1 (5.5%).
CONCLUSION:
This case study provides novel insight into the progression of ITT power output and heart rate responses in an elite World Tour cyclist. Although the cyclist was already highly talented in 2018 and became an under-23 national ITT champion in 2021, large gains in mean ITT power output (12-14%) could still be achieved despite his already high training status. Interestingly, his gains in power output were achieved despite a decreased mean heart rate, suggesting that in addition to increased cardiac output, other mechanisms such as pacing strategies, aerodynamic position, and mental toughness might also play an important role in improving ITT performance.

References
[1] Lucia A, Hoyos J, Chicharro JL. Sports Med. 2001;31(5):325-337.
[2] Sitko S, Cirer-Sastre R, Corbi F, Lopez-Laval I. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2021;17(1):9-15.