IS THE MATTER OF PEDALEO DETERMINING?
We begin by explaining briefly that it is the power for a cyclist since this has been a field studied for a long time and which is a determining factor of cycling power.
The power is the force that we apply on the pedals multiplied by the speed with which the pedals rotate. This gives rise to the known pedaling cadence, this variable can be increased by improving the force we exert on the pedals or by increasing our cadence.
However, it has been demonstrated after the numerous scientific studies that there is not a certain optimal cadence, this will depend on our own physiological characteristics and the type of test.
We try to analyze what is the optimal cadence:
The shorter the duration and the more explosive the test, the greater the optimum rate. An example of this is the BMX modality, this sport is known to have higher maximum power values than professional cycling sprinters. According to the different studies, the peak power is reached at cadences of 220-240 rpm. As a BMX athlete I support the evidence that there is no specific cadence, this will depend on the physiology of the athlete and his taste when practicing BMX .
The longer the test has the power and cadence values decrease, here are some examples of this.
1 kilometer TT on track: 60 seconds @ ~ 1000w ~ 130rpm
4 kilometers chase on the track: 4'20 "@ ~ 500w ~ 115rpm
Professional cyclists in a 40km time trial: 50 '@ ~ 400w ~ 95rpm
Professional Triathletes in distance Ironman: 4h15 '@ ~ 300w ~ 85-90rpm
Triathletes age groups with high level in Ironman distance: 4h40 '@ ~ 250w ~ 80-85rpm
Triathletes age groups in distance Ironman: 5h30 @ ~ 200w ~ 75-80rpm
The low cadences are related to greater muscular fatigue. We could talk about what would be the perfect cadence for sports such as triathlon or road cycling that debate would be to make a different post.
To finish and as a personal opinion both in BMX and in other modalities the pedaling cadence is given by your own experience, that is, at the beginning when you do not know the sport or your own body it is difficult to choose but over the years you can go choosing correctly. The only difference of BMX with other cycling sports in terms of the cadence is that in BMX we can not vary during the test or during the training the cadence and during cycling.
Here I leave a link if you want to know more about the BMX:
Here you have a scheme for easy understanding, regarding my opinion.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wUnsINfgpsPHQa2iPYI6K_ri3Z6Yk6eBqGveTPsuZQM/edit?usp=sharing
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