Physiology, power output, and racing strategy of a Race Across America finisher.

Abstract

The Race Across America, a 4800-km nonstop cycle race, is one of the most demanding endurance sports events. We display the racing strategy, power output, HR, hormonal levels, and inflammatory markers of an athlete before and during the race, which he completed in 10 d 23 h.The athlete showed physiological characteristics of a well-trained (nonelite) cyclist (V˙O2peak=63 mL·min·kg, heart volume=11.3 mL·kg). The race was mainly performed at low intensities (mean ± SD: power output=141 ± 76 W, HR=117 ± 14 bpm). During the race, testosterone levels dropped initially by 30-40% and returned to baseline toward the end. Cortisol remained elevated throughout (+75%-90% compared with baseline). Markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein), dehydration, and protein catabolism (albumin) were not affected. The athlete used a race strategy with regular sleeping breaks (total rest=91 h, 45 h of sleep).Contrasting conventional racing strategies for the Race Across America, which aim at minimizing sleep and maximizing ride time, our case demonstrates that by emphasizing regular recovery and sleep, such alternative strategy might lead an equally successful race result.