Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2820-4599
Physiology & Biochemistry
Authors
Author Affiliations
Anna Katharina Dunst
1
Department of Endurance Sports, Institute for Applied
Training Science Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN84585)
Hans-Christer Holmberg
2
Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of
Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Luleå,
Sweden (Ringgold ID: RIN225267)
Clemens Hesse
3
German Cycling Federation, Frankfurt Oder, Germany
Tomasz Kowalski
4
Department of Physiology, Institute of Sport-National Research
Institute, Warsaw, Poland
Sebastian Klich
5
Department of Sport Didactics, Wrocław University of Health and Sport
Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
This research would not have been possible without the financial
support from the BMI (Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community; Germany)
for the more extensive project (AD-5-17) from which this investigation was
derived.
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Abstract
This study investigated the temporal dynamics of metabolic energy contributions
during maximal cycling sprints lasting up to 60 seconds and explored their
association with key performance metrics in elite track cyclists. Fifteen elite
male track cyclists (11 sprint specialists and 4 endurance specialists)
performed four maximal sprints of 3, 8, 12, and 60 seconds, as well as a
cardiopulmonary exercise test. Alactic, lactic, and aerobic energy contributions
were quantified based on the net energy supply methodology. Energy system
contributions demonstrated clear temporal specificity: the alactic pathway
dominated shorter sprints (3 s: 87±4%, 8 s: 61±5%, and 12 s: 50±6%), while the
lactic pathway became the primary contributor during 60-second efforts (42±4%).
Despite significant inter-individual differences in sprint performance, relative
energy system contributions remained consistent across athletes. Neuromuscular
performance metrics, particularly maximal power output and anaerobic power
reserve, emerged as primary determinants of early sprint performance, while
anaerobic work capacity became increasingly important for sustaining power
output during extended efforts, underscoring the importance of both
neuromuscular performance and fatigue resistance. These findings support a
hierarchical but metabolically interdependent model of sprint performance, in
which anaerobic power initiates performance but requires aerobic support to
preserve high-intensity output under fatigue. This framework informs the design
of training periodization, targeted interventions, supplementation strategies,
and recovery protocols in sports requiring maximal efforts lasting up to
60 seconds.
Keywords
maximal cycling sprints -
exercise physiology -
energy requirements -
anaerobic diagnostics -
performance assessment
Publication History
Received: 08 May 2025
Accepted after revision: 23 February 2026
Article published online:
20 March 2026
© 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
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