Search

Mixed-Team-Relay (MTR) triathlon is a novel Olympic discipline whose performance determinants and tactical behaviors have barely been studied. Additionally, a regulatory change has been made to the male and female relay order for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the performance determinants and race dynamics as a function of competitive level on the new regulated MTR triathlon. Results from 129 national teams, (516 elite triathletes) across five MTR World Triathlon Series and two MTR European Championships in 2022 and 2023, were analyzed. Split times, average speeds, time behind the race leader (gap), partial and finishing positions, pack position as well as the rank positions of every segment, relay leg, and over-all race were computed. Decision tree analyses were conducted as a predictive method for the overall results, and correspondence analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the different relay legs and segments and the finishing positions. The performance of the fourth leg was the most relevant for overall result (30%), as well as the fourth running leg (16%) and the female legs performance (7%). Medallist relay teams were characterized by displaying a differential speed lower than 0.5 and 0.83 km/h, respectively, from the best-ranking athletes in the Legs 1 and 4. Furthermore, staying in the front pack after the second swimming leg showed a great relationship with achieving a medal position. New MTR triathlon rules shift race dynamics, emphasizing individual efforts in cycling and swimming, while maintaining the crucial importance of running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great deal of work has been undertaken to ensure that certain swimming events (open water and triathlon) at the Olympic and Paralympic Games can be held in the Seine under sanitary conditions that respect the health of the athletes. They will be the first to take the plunge in this river, but the aim is to speed up the process of making it possible for the people of Ile-de-France to swim in it too, as well as in the Marne., (Copyright © 2024. Publié par Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Purpose: Postexercise alveolar-capillary membrane-diffusing capacity (DLco) often decreases in highly trained endurance athletes and seems linked to their training status. To test the hypothesis that training status influences postexercise DLco, 13 male and 2 female triathletes (20.2 ± 4.4 y old, 175.2 ± 6.7 cm tall; weight in a range of 66.6 ± 7.4 kg to 67.4 ± 7.8 kg during the 1-y study) were randomized into experimental (n = 7) and control (n = 8) groups and performed VO2max cycle tests and simulated cycle-run successions (CR) of 30 min + 20 min after 3 periods in the competitive season. Methods: Both groups were tested before (pre- HTP) and after a 30-wk high-training period (HTP) with high training volume, intensity, and frequency. The experimental group was then also tested after a 6-wk low-training period (LTP) with low training volume, intensity, and frequency, while the control group continued training according to the HTP schedule for these 6 wk. Ventilatory data were collected continuously. DLco testing was performed before and 30, 60, and 120 min after the CR trials. Results: Whatever the period or group, DLco was significantly decreased 30 min after CR, with a significantly greater decrease in the experimental group than the control group in LTP (-15.7% and -9.3% of DLco, respectively). Conclusions: Six weeks of low training volume and intensity were sufficient to reverse the effects of high training volume and intensity on the alveolar-capillary membrane after a CR succession in competitive triathletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra‐triathlons are defined as triathlons longer than the traditional Ironman distance and became more popular in the last two decades; however, scarce scientific evidence of these events are available. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the trends of performance, pacing, nationality, sex differences, and rate of non‐finishers in ultra‐triathlons. Data from 1985 to 2018 were collected including Double Iron, Triple Iron, Quintuple Iron, and Deca Iron ultra‐triathlons. Different pacing patterns by event and sex were observed (P <.05); athletes spent less %time in swimming and cycling, and more %time in running as the distance of event was longer; women spent more %time in cycling and less% time in running in Double and Triple. Performance analysis showed a negative trend over time for men and women since 1985. Switzerland, France, and Germany were the fastest nations in ultra‐triathlons. The frequency of North Americans competing in Europe was very low (<5%), whereas Europeans often competed in North America (~25%). The rate of non‐finishers between sexes was similar in all races with the exception of Deca Iron ultra‐triathlon, which was much greater (~20%) for women. Non‐finishers had slower race times in swimming and cycling splits than finishers. In conclusion, ultra‐triathletes should redistribute their energy among swimming, cycling, and running depending on their sex and distance of race. Performance in ultra‐triathlons has been decreasing in men and women over the years, but sex difference in performance remained. Europeans were the fastest ultra‐triathletes and compete in Europe and North America. Additionally, non‐finishers were slower swimmers and cyclists than finishers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the core temperature (TC) and markers of hydration status in athletes performing a half Ironman triathlon race in hot and humid conditions (27.2 ± 0.5°C, relative humidity was 80 ± 2%). Before and immediately after the 2012 Guadeloupe half Ironman triathlon, body mass and urine osmolarity (mean ± SD) were measured in 19 welltrained male triathletes. TC was measured before and after the race, and at each transition during the event, using an ingestible pill telemetry system. Ambient temperature and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout the race. Mean ± SD performance time was 331 ± 36 minutes and HR was 147 ± 16 beats·min-1. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) averaged 25.4 ± 1.0°C and ocean temperature was 29.5°C. The average TC at the beginning of the race (TC1) was 37.1 ± 0.7°C; it was 37.8 ± 0.9°C after swimming (TC2), 37.8 ± 1.0°C after cycling (TC3), and (TC4) 38.4 ± 0.7°C after running. Body mass significantly declined during the race by 3.7 ± 1.9 kg (4.8 ± 2.4%; p < 0.05), whereas urine osmolarity significantly increased from 491.6 ± 300.6 to 557.9 ± 207.9 mosm·L-1 (p < 0.05). Changes in body mass were not related to finishing TC or urine osmolarity. Ad libitum fluid intake appears applicable to athletes acclimatized to tropical climate, when performing a half Ironman triathlon in a warm and humid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a growing number of studies have highlighted the potential of virtual reality (VR) to improve athletes' skills, no research has yet focused on acceptance of a VR head-mounted display (VR-HMD) designed to increase sport performance. However, even if technological devices could potentially lead to performance improvement, athletes may not always accept them. To investigate this issue, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) examines if perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, and subjective norms (i.e., social influence) are positive predictors of intention to use a specific technology. The aims of the present study were to test with competitive athletes the validity of the TAM before a first use of a VR-HMD intended to enhance sport performance and to examine to what extent the level of practice and the type of sport practiced have an influence on the previous variables of the TAM. The study sample comprised 1162 French athletes (472 women, 690 men, M age = 24.50 ± 8.51 years) who usually practiced a sport in competition (from recreational to international level). After reading a short text presenting the VR-HMD and its interests for sport performance, the participants filled out an online questionnaire assessing their acceptance of this technological device before a first use. The results of the structural equation modeling analysis revealed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, and subjective norms were positive predictors of intention to use this VR-HMD, validating the suitability of the TAM for investigating the acceptance by athletes of a VR-HMD designed to increase their sport performance. The results also showed that athletes of all sport levels (a) had a significant intention to use VR, (b) found it quite useful (except for recreational athletes), quite easy to use, and quite pleasant to use, even if their entourage would not encourage them to use it (except for international athletes), and (c) found the VR-HMD easy and pleasant to use whatever the sport practiced. Notably some athletes (e.g., triathletes, swimmers, cyclists) did not find the VR-HMD significantly useful and did not have significant intention to use it to increase their performance. Identifying acceptance by athletes of such a device may increase the likelihood that it will be used by athletes of different levels and from different sports, so that they can benefit from all its advantages related to the improvement of their sport performance. Needs-based targeted interventions may also be conducted toward athletes who might be reluctant to integrate this type of device into their training. • Acceptance of VR by athletes is investigated before a first use. • The Technology Acceptance Model is validated for this device and this population. • Athletes want to use VR to enhance their performance whatever their sport level. • Some athletes (e.g., swimmers, cyclists) do not find VR significantly useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the behavior of leg-spring during an exhaustive run with constant velocity in elite triathletes. The study also aims to examine if the modifications were related to an increment in the energy cost of running through evaluating nine elite triathletes who ran to exhaustion in an indoor track. The cost of running was measured using a breath-by-breath portable gas analyzer and vertical and horizontal ground reaction forces were measured every lap. The results of the study show that changes in leg and vertical stiffness were related with modifications of aerial time and that fatigue induces stiffness which decreases maximal vertical force.

The article presents a study which aims to examine the effect of age on gender difference in Ironman triathlon performance time and to equate the gender difference among swimming, cycling, and running performances as a function of age in Hawaii. It also indicates the relative difference in performance time between men and women for an ultra-endurance event that of the Ironman triathlon which is stable until age 55. Therefore, it suggests to further explore the changes in training volume and physiological features for men and women to better comprehend the age-associated changes in ultraendurance performance.

Summary: Aims: To assess the prevalence of trauma injuries in a sample of amateur triathletes and seek for consequences on further training. Methods: An anonymous, self-administered and identifying history of traumatic questionnaire, was proposed to all triathletes who took part in a regional event in Midi-Pyrenees (June2008). Results: Among the 43 triathletes (men 81.4%, female 18.6%) who responded to the survey, 62.8% of subjects reported having been injured during the 2006 to 2007 season (for 33.33% of them several times). During training, 88.9% of injuries occurred. The tendinopathies (66.7%) and muscle injuries (37%) were the most common injuries identified. Among the injured subjects, 72% were able to continue training, mostly in swimming (80%) and cycling (85%), while running had to be suspended in 75% of cases, with a median of stop at 5 weeks. Subjects injured consulted a health professional in 96.3% of cases (46% a sports medicine). The warm-up time was significantly lower in subjects injured (respectively, 11.2±6.5min versus 16.8±9.6min in non-injured, p <0.05). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Society & Leisure / Loisir & Société is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)