Track cycling: An analysis of the pacing strategies employed during the devil elimination race

• Published in: International journal of performance analysis in sport 2014-04, Vol.14 (1), p.330-344
• Main Authors: Gill, Kevin S, White, Chris, Worsfold, Paul R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Elimination race; Omnium; pacing strategies; track cycling
• ISSN: 2474-8668; 1474-8185; 1474-8185
• DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2014.11868724

This study aimed to provide a description of the pacing requirements of the track cycling Elimination race, and to identify effective pacing strategies to maximise overall Omnium medal opportunity. Six male, and six female elite competitive races were investigated using half-lap split times. A 2×3×2×2 way repeated measures ANOVA was applied to test for differences in speed and speed SD, across race-quarter, lap-type, and lap-half between successful (top 6 finishers) and unsuccessful groups (7th-12th). Additionally, Spearman's Rho correlations were used to test patterns between speed, speed SD variables and the final finishing position of riders. Pacing patterns of the men's and women's races were complex, but followed an overall positive and variable pacing pattern, with men's race quarter speeds of 52.8km/h (±1.9), 52.1km/h (±2.1), 51.1km/h (±2.2), and 49.5km/h (±5.5). In general, differences in pacing strategy were not found to significantly influence the success of riders unless employed late in the race. Results are discussed for the application and the development of effective elimination race strategies and tactics.