Brown, J. D., Manfredi, T. G., & Blissmer, B. J. (2006). Effect of telemetric data on 17k time trial performance in trained cyclists. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 2594.

This study assessed the effect of access to telemetric data on well-trained cyclists (N = 15) during two simulated 17k time trials, one with access to telemetric data, and one without. Telemetric data included: power output, heart rate, cadence, elapsed time, and speed. All telemetry was viewed through and recorded with a commonly available power meter. Metabolic measures were oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio, respiratory rate, and minute ventilation (VE). Test data were consolidated into six distinct splits (sp1, sp2, etc), with the first five being 3k in length and the final 2k in length.

Average elapsed times and power outputs were similar for both conditions. There were significant time effects for nearly all performance measurements in both conditions, demonstrating physiologic and telemetric differences across the six splits. Significant time by condition interaction effects were found for split time and power output.

Implication. Telemetric data during a simulated cycling race altered the way the race was completed. Ss started harder and finished with slower speeds. The absence of telemetry appears to result in a moderation of early effort and faster closing speeds. [There is strong belief that telemetric data is valuable for training.]

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