AW: Grundlagen und Grundfragen zur Trittfrequenz
Triathlon is a sport consisting of sequential swimming, cycling and running.
The main diversity within the sport of triathlon resides in the varying event
distances, which creates specific technical, physiological and nutritional considerations
for athlete and practitioner alike. The purpose of this article is to review
physiological as well as nutritional aspects of triathlon and to make recommendations
on ways to enhance performance. Aside from progressive conditioning and
training, areas that have shown potential to improve triathlon performance include
drafting when possible during both the swim and cycle phase, wearing a wetsuit, and
selecting a lower cadence (60—80 rpm) in the final stages of the cycle phase. Adoption
of a more even racing pace during cycling may optimise cycling performance
and induce a ‘‘metabolic reserve’’ necessary for elevated running performance in
longer distance triathlon events. In contrast, drafting in swimming and cycling may
result a better tactical approach to increase overall performance in elite Olympic
distance triathlons. Daily energy intake should be modified to reflect daily training
demands to assist triathletes in achieving body weight and body composition
targets. Carbohydrate loading strategies and within exercise carbohydrate intake
should reflect the specific requirements of the triathlon event contested. Development
of an individualised fluid plan based on previous fluid balance observations
may assist to avoid both dehydration and hyponatremia during prolonged triathlon
racing.
Maximising performance in triathlon: Applied
physiological and nutritional aspects of elite
and non-elite competitions
David J. Bentleya,∗,1, Gregory R. Coxb,1,
Daniel Greenc,1, Paul B. Laursend,1
a Health and Exercise Science, University of New South Wales, Australia
b Department of Sports Nutrition, Australian Institute of Sport, Australia
c Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Australia
d School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia
Received 20 February 2007; received in revised form 25 July 2007; accepted 26 July 2007
