Arnstein Sunde, Oyvind Storen, Marius Bjerkaas, Morten H. Larsen, Jan Hoff and Jan Helgerud

​

Purpose: To investigate the effect of maximal strength training on cycling economy (CE) at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), work efficiency in cycling at 70% VO2max and time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic power.

​

Conclusions: Maximal strength training for 8 weeks improved CE and efficiency and increased time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic power among competitive cyclists, without change in maximal oxygen uptake, cadence or body weight. Based on the results from the present study, we advise cyclists to include maximal strength training to their training programs.

​

IN PLAIN ENGLISH: Becoming stronger via a sensible and progressive strength training program improves the ability to compete in cycling.