Email this article 
An analysis of performance factors in sprint distance triathlon
Abstract
Triathlon is a combined endurance sport, which includes back-to-back swimming, cycling and running, always in that order and with total time measurements including the transition between events. According to the rules, sprint distance is always the shortest, and the one in which there are most events (0.750 km, 20 km, 5 km). Determining performance factors is a must in order to optimize training in any sports event; however, the various distances in this sport lead to different analyses. The purpose of this paper is to determine the performance factors in sprint distance triathlon, by reviewing the data supplied by the literature. In the cycling event, the performance factors are greatly dependent on whether drafting is permitted or not. In our study, the main factors have been found to be: raising the anaerobic threshold to the highest percentage with respect to the individual’s VO2max, producing and eliminating high lactate values, and developing a good specific technique for crawl swimming.
Keywords
References
Ballesteros, J. (1987). El libro del triatlón. Arthax S.L., Madrid.
Beneke, R.; Hutler, M.; Leithauser, R.M. (2000). Maximal lactate-steady-state independent of performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 32(6):1135-9. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200006000-00016
Bentley, D.J.; Weekes, S.A.; Wilson, G.J.; Davie, A.J.; Zhou, S. (1998). Lower limb muscular strength and endurance cycle performance in triathletes. J. Sport Sci. 16(5): 445-6.
Bentley, D. J., Wilson, G. J., Davie, A. J., & Zhou, S. (1998). Correlations between peak power output, muscular strength and cycle time trial performance in triathletes. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 38(3), 201–207.
Bentley, D.J.; Millet, G.P.; Vleck, V.E.; Mcnaughton, L.R. (2002). Specific aspects of contemporary triathlon: implications for physiological analysis and performance. Sports Med. 32(6):345-59. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200232060-00001
Berbalk, A.; Neumann, G.; Pfutzner, A. (1997). Adaptation cardiaque et capacités d'endurance chez les triathletes. 1er Symposium international de l'entrainement en triathlon. París.
Bluche, P. F., Pagés, T., & Ibáñez, J. (1990). Análisis de algunos parámetros sanguíneos en la llegada de una triatlón de clase A . (Carcasona, 1989). Apunts Medicina de l’Esport, 23, 97–102.
Bompa, T.; (2003). Periodización. Teoría y metodología del entrenamiento. Editorial Hispano Europea. Barcelona.
Brodal, P., Ingjer, F., & Hermansen, L. (1977). Capillary supply of skeletal muscle fibers in untrained and endurance-trained men. The American Journal of Physiology, 232(6), H705-12.
Butts, N.K.; Henry, B.A.; Mclean, D. (1991). Correlations between VO2max and performance times of recreational triathletes. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 31(3):339-44.
Castellar, C. (1999). El triatlón de invierno. Modificaciones actuales y su incidencia en el entrenamiento. Revista de Entrenamiento Deportivo. 12(2): 25-30.
Cejuela, R. (2005). Análisis de la natación: "Natación triatlón versus natación piscina". Sport Training Magazine. 1:10-15.
Cejuela, R. (2005). Análisis de la natación: "Natación triatlón versus natación piscina II". Sport Training Magazine. 2 :8-11.
Cejuela, R. (2005). Análisis del triatlón: la T1. Sport Training Magazine, 3:8-11.
Cejuela, R. (2006). Análisis del triatlón: Ciclismo en triatlón versus ciclismo en ruta. Sport Training Magazine. 4:8-11.
Cejuela, R. (2006). Análisis del triatlón: Ciclismo en triatlón versus ciclismo en ruta II. Sport Training Magazine. 5 :8-11.
Cejuela, R. (2006). Análisis del triatlón: la T2. Sport Training Magazine, 6 :10-13.
Cejuela, R. (2006). Análisis del triatlón: la carrera a pie I. Sport Training Magazine. 7:12-15.
Cejuela, R. (2006). Análisis del triatlón: la carrera a pie II. Sport Training Magazine. 8:12-15.
Chatard, J.C.; Senegas, X.; Selles, M.; Dreanot, P.; Geyssant, A. (1995). Wet suit effect: a comparison between competitive swimmers and triathletes. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 27(4):580-6. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-199504000-00017
Chavaren, J.; Dorado, C.; López, J.A. (1996). Triatlón: factores condicionantes del rendimiento y del entrenamiento. Revista de Entrenamiento Deportivo. 10(2): 29-37.
Chicharro, J.L; Aznar, S; Fernández, A; López, L.M; Lucía, A; Pérez, M. (2004). Transición Aeróbica-Anaeróbica. Concepto, metodología de determinación y aplicaciones. Ed. Master Line & Prodigio S.L.
Cordain, L.; Kopriva, R. (1991). Wetsuits, body density and swimming performance. Br. J. Sports Med. 25(1):31-3. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.25.1.31
Cundiff, D.E. (1993). Investigaciones fisiológicas sobre el triathlón. Sport & Medicina. 33: 22-5.
Dengel, D.R.; Flynn, M.G.; Costill, D.L.; Kirwan, J.P. (1989). Determinants of success during triathlon competition. Res. Q. Exerc. Sport. 60(3):234-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1989.10607445
Ehrler, W. (1994). Triatlón: técnica, táctica y entrenamiento. Paidotribo, Barcelona.
Federación Espa-ola de Triatlón. (2006) Reglamento de competición.
García, D.; Herrero, J.A. (2003). El triatlón: un acercamiento a sus orígenes y a los factores que determinan su rendimiento. www.efdeportes.com, revista digital. Buenos Aires. 9 (66).
García, J.; Navarro, M.; Ruiz, J.A. (1998). Bases teóricas del entrenamiento deportivo. Gymnos Madrid.
García, J.; Navarro, M.; Ruiz J. A.; Martín, R.; (1998). La velocidad. Gymnos Madrid.
Garside, I. Y Doran, D.A. (2000). Effects of bicycle frame ergonomics on triathlon 10-km running performance. J. Sports Sci. 18(10):825-33. https://doi.org/10.1080/026404100419883
Gil, L.; Gutierrez, J.; Sanchez, F. (2000). Manual Técnico de triatlón. Gymnos, Madrid.
González, J.J.; Gorostiaga, E.(1995). Fundamentos del entrenamiento de la fuerza. Aplicación al alto rendimiento deportivo. INDE. Barcelona.
Harre, D. (1987). Teoría del entrenamiento deportivo. Stadium, Buenos Aires.
Hausswirth, C.; Lehenaff, D.; Dreano, P.; Savonen, K. (1999). Effects of cycling alone or in a sheltered position on subsequent running performance during a triathlon. Med. Sci. Sport Exerc. 31(4): 599-604. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199904000-00018
Holloszy, J.O. (1975). Adaptation of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise. Med. Sci. Sport Exerc. 7(3):155-64. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-197500730-00013
Hue, O.; Le Gallais, D.; Chollet, D.; Boussana, A.; Prefaut, C. (1996). The influence of prior cycling on biomechanical and cardiorespiratory response profiles during running in triathletes. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. Occup. Physiol. 77(1-2):98-105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050306
Kohrt, W.M.; Morgan-Don, W.; Bates, B.; Skinner, J.S. (1987). Physiological responses of triathletes to maximal swimming, cycling, and running. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 19(1):51-5. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198702000-00011
Kohrt, W.M.; O'connor, J.S.; Skinner, J.S. (1989). Longitudinal assessment of responses by triathletes to swimming, cycling, and running. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 21(5):569-75. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198910000-00012
Kreider, R.B. (1991). Physiological considerations of ultraendurance performance. Int. J. Sport Nutrition. 1(1): 3-27. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsn.1.1.3
Kreider, R.B.; Boone, T.; Thompson, W.R.; Burkes, S.; Cortes, C.W. (1988). Cardiovascular and thermal responses of triathlon performance. Med. Sci. Sport Exerc. 20(4):385-90. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198808000-00010
Lago, J. (2003). Biomecánica del triatlón distancia olímpica. www.efdeportes.com, revista digital-Buenos Aires. 8 (58).
Landers, G.J.; Blanksby, B.A.; Ackland, T.R.; Smith, D. (2000). Morphology and performance of world championship triathletes. Ann. Hum. Biol. 27(4):387-400. https://doi.org/10.1080/03014460050044865
Laurenson, N.M.; Fulcher, K.Y.; Korkia, P. (1993). Physiological characteristics of elite and club level female triathletes during running. Int. J. Sports Med. 14(8):455-9. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1021210
Leake, C.N.; Carter, J.E. (1991). Comparison of body composition and somatotype of trained female triathletes. J. Sports Sci. 9(2):125-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640419108729874
Matveev, L.P.; (2001). Teoría general del entrenamiento deportivo. Paidotribo. Barcelona.
Millet, G.P.; Candau, R.B.; Barbier, B; Busso, T.; Rouillon, J.D.; Chatard, J.C. (2002). Modelling the transfers of training effects on performance in elite triathletes. Int. J. Sports Med. 23(1):55-63. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-19276
Millet, G.P.; Millet, G.Y.; Hofmann, M.D.; Candau, R.B. (2000). Alterations in running economy and mechanics after maximal cycling in triathletes: influence of performance level. Int. J. Sports Med. 21(2):127-32. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2000-8866
Millet, G.P.; Vleck, V.E. (2000). Physiological and biomechanical adaptations to the cycle to run transition in Olympic triathlon: review and practical recommendations for training. Br. J. Sports Med. 34(5):384-90. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.34.5.384
O'toole, M.L. Y Douglas, P.S. (1995) Applied physiology of triathlon. Sports Med. 19(4):251-67. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199519040-00003
O'toole, M.L.; Douglas, P.S.; Hiller, W.D. (1989). Applied physiology of a triathlon. Sports Med. 8(4): 201-25. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-198908040-00002
O'toole, M.L.; Douglas, P.S.; Hiller, W.D. (1989). Lactate, oxygen uptake, and cycling performance in triathletes. Int. J. Sports Med. 10(6):413-8. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1024935
Parsons, L.; Day, S.J. (1986). Do wet suits affect swimming speed? Br. J. Sports Med. 20(3):129-131. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.20.3.129
Saltin, B.; Strange, S. (1992). Maximal oxygen uptake: "old" and "new" arguments for a cardiovascular limitation. Med. Sci. Sport Exerc. 24(1): 30-7. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-199201000-00007
Quigley, E.J; Richards, J.G. (1996). The Effects of cycling on running mechanics. Journal of applied Biomechanics. 12, 470-479. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.12.4.470
Schabort, E.J.; Killian, S.C.; Gibson, A.; Hawley, J.A.; Noakes, T.D. (2000). Prediction of triathlon race time from laboratory testing in national triathletes. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 32(4):844-9. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200004000-00018
Schneider, D. A., Lacroix, K. A., Atkinson, G. R., Troped, P. J., & Pollack, J. (1990). Ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake during cycling and running in triathletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 22(2), 257–264.
Sleivert, G.G.; Rowlands, D.S. (1996). Physical and physiological factors associated with success in the triathlon. Sports Med. 22(1):8-18. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199622010-00002
Sleivert, G.G.; Wenger, H.A. (1993). Physiological predictors of short-course triathlon performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 25(7):871-6. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-199307000-00017
Svensson, T. (1999). El almanaque completo del triatlón. Paidotribo, Barcelona.
Toussaint, H.M. (1990). Differences in propelling efficiency between competitive and triathlon swimmers. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 22(3):409-15. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-199006000-00020
Van Schuylenbergh, R., Eynde, B. Vanden, & Hespel, P. (2004). Prediction of sprint triathlon performance from laboratory tests. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 91(1), 94–99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-003-0911-6
Zhou, S., Robson, S. J., King, M. J., & Davie, A. J. (1997). Correlations between short-course triathlon performance and physiological variables determined in laboratory cycle and treadmill tests. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 37(2), 122–130.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4100/jhse.2007.22.01
Copyright (c) 2008 Journal of Human Sport and Exercise
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
