Revuelta Parra, CarlosBrea Alejo, LidiaValenzuela Ruiz, Pedro LuisMontalvo Pérez, AlmudenaCalle, Víctor de laAgundez, AlbertoLucía Mulas, AlejandroBarranco Gil, David2025-01-192024Revuelta, C., Alejo, L. B., Valenzuela, P. L., Montalvo-Perez, A., de la Calle, V., Agundez, A., Lucia, A., & Barranco-Gil, D. (2024). Time-course Changes of Field- and Laboratory-based Performance Indicators in Junior Cyclists Through a Season. International journal of sports medicine, 45(6), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2233-04540172-46221439-3964http://hdl.handle.net/11268/13517This study aimed to assess the seasonal evolution of field-based and laboratory-based performance indicators in cyclists. Thirteen Junior male road cyclists (age 17.4±0.5 years) were followed up during a season, which was divided in three phases: early season (involving mainly training sessions), mid-season (including the first competitions), and late season (including the major competitions of the season). During each phase, field-based power output data were registered for the assessment of maximum mean power values, and laboratory-based endurance (ramp test and simulated 8-minute time trial), muscle strength/power (squat, lunge, hip thrust) and body composition indicators (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were also assessed. A progressive (p<0.01) increase in maximum mean power values (e.g., 3.8±0.3 and 4.5±0.4 watts/kg in early and late season, respectively, for 60-minute efforts) and on 8-minute time trial performance (i.e., 5.3±0.3 and 5.6±0.4 watts/kg, respectively) was observed through the season. Yet, more "traditional" endurance indicators (i.e., ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point, or maximum oxygen uptake) seemed to show a ceiling effect beyond the mid-season. In addition, neither peak power output, body composition, nor muscle strength indicators followed a similar pattern to the aforementioned field-based indicators. In summary, in Junior cyclists field-based indicators seem more sensitive to monitor endurance cyclists' changes in actual fitness and performance capacity than more "traditional" laboratory-based markers in Junior cyclists.engCiclismojournal article10.1055/a-2233-0454embargoed accessAtletaDeporteProductividadGoal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages