Optimising distribution of power during a cycling time trial |
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| Authors: | Scott Gordon |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Mathematics, University of West Georgia, 30118 Carrollton, Georgia, USA |
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| Abstract: | A simple mathematical model is used to find the optimal distribution of a cyclist’s effort during a time trial. It is shown
that maintaining a constant velocity is optimal if the goal is to minimise the time taken to complete the course while fixing
amount of work done. However, this is usually impractical on a non-flat course because the cyclist would be unable to maintain
the power output required on the climbs. A model for exertion is introduced and used to identify the distribution of power
that minimises time while restricting the cyclist’s exertion. It is shown that, for a course with a climb followed by a descent,
limits on exertion prevent the cyclist from improving performance by shifting effort towards the climb and away from the descent.
It is also shown, however, that significant improvement is possible on a course with several climbs and descents. An analogous
problem with climbs and descents replaced by headwinds and tailwinds is considered and it is shown that there is no significant
advantage to be gained by varying power output. Lagrange multipliers are used solve the minimisation problems. |
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| Keywords: | power output exertion time trial critical power |
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