No Differences Between 12 Weeks of Block- vs. Traditional-Periodized Training in Performance Adaptations in Trained Cyclists.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks load-matched block periodization (BP,  = 14), using weekly concentration of high- (HIT), moderate- (MIT), and low- (LIT) intensity training, with traditional periodization (TP,  = 16) using a weekly, cyclic progressive increase in training load of HIT-, MIT-, and LIT-sessions in trained cyclists (peak oxygen uptake: 58 ± 8 ml·kg·min). Red blood cell volume increased 10 ± 16% ( = 0.029) more in BP compared to TP, while capillaries around type I fibers increased 20 ± 12% ( = 0.

Effects of Including Sprints in LIT Sessions during a 14-d Camp on Muscle Biology and Performance Measures in Elite Cyclists.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of including sprints within low-intensity training (LIT) sessions during a 14-d training camp focusing on LIT, followed by 10-d recovery (Rec), on performance and performance-related measures in elite cyclists.

Methods: During the camp, a sprint training group (SPR; n = 9) included 12 × 30-s maximal sprints during five LIT sessions, whereas a control group (CON; n = 9) performed distance-matched LIT only. Training load was equally increased in both groups by 48% ± 27% during the training camp and subsequently decreased by -56% ± 23% during the recovery period compared with habitual training.